Florida prepares for strengthening storm
MIAMI — A tropical weather system that rapidly strengthened into Hurricane Michael on Monday is likely to keep growing stronger ahead of an expected strike on Florida’s Panhandle by midweek, forecasters said.
Michael could strengthen into a major hurricane with winds topping 110 mph by Tuesday night before an expected strike Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Since the storm will spend two to three days over the Gulf of Mexico, which has very warm water and favorable atmospheric conditions, “there is a real possibility that Michael will strengthen to a major hurricane before landfall,” Robbie Berg, a hurricane specialist at the Miami-based storm forecasting hub, wrote in an advisory.
Michael’s large size, strong winds and heavy rains could produce hazardous flooding along Florida’s Gulf coast with many rivers and estuaries where seawater pushed ashore by a hurricane could get trapped, said Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham.
“This is a part of the Gulf of Mexico that is incredibly vulnerable to storm surge,” Graham said.
Parts of Florida’s curvy Big Bend region could see up to 12 feet of storm surge, while Michael also could dump up to a foot of rain over some Panhandle communities as it moves inland, forecasters said.
“All indications are that it’s going to be severe,” said Tallahassee Commissioner Gil Ziffer, adding that if the storm hits Florida’s capital, there would be significant tree damage and power outages. “Hopefully, we will have no one hurt and no loss of life.”
Two years ago, Hurricane Hermine knocked out power for days in Tallahassee and caused widespread flooding as it came up through the Gulf Coast. Ann Beaver was among the threequarters of city residents who lost electricity after that storm, and she was preparing Monday for a similar experience.
“I don’t want to lose everything in the freezer,” said Beaver as she loaded sandbags into her family’s pickup truck.
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, the Democratic nominee for governor, had planned to campaign in southern Florida on Monday and Tuesday, but he said he would return to the city to help with storm preparations.
Florida State University and Leon County schools canceled classes from Tuesday through Friday.
Farther west along Florida’s Panhandle, the city of Pensacola tweeted to residents, “Be sure you have your emergency plan in place.”
Michael was lashing western Cuba Monday with heavy rains and strong winds, according to the hurricane center. Forecasters warned that the storm could produce up to a foot of rain in western Cuba, potentially triggering flash floods and mudslides in mountainous areas.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott issued a state of emergency for 35 counties, from the Panhandle through to Tampa Bay, to rush preparations, freeing up resources and activating 500 members of the Florida National Guard.