‘Monstrous’ Michael zeros in on Gulf Coast
Storm still strengthening, could make landfall Wednesday as major hurricane
As Hurricane Michael rapidly intensified, threatening to smash Florida’s Panhandle with dangerous storm surge, flooding and winds, Gov. Rick Scott didn’t mince words Monday night: “Making decisions tomorrow might be too late.”
Described by Scott as “monstrous” and “massive,” Michael could make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of at least 111 mph, according to projections. It was forecast to become a major hurricane Tuesday and should make landfall Wednesday afternoon or evening, probably between Pensacola in the far western Panhandle and Apalachicola, directly south of Tallahassee on the coast.
“Michael could be one of the worst hurricanes to ever strike the Florida Big Bend and Florida Panhandle region,” warned Weather Channel hurricane expert Rick Knabb.
Michael’s maximum sustained winds increased to 85 mph with higher gusts Monday, the National Hurricane Center said.
“Michael could produce three lifethreatening hazards along portions of the northeastern Gulf Coast: storm surge, heavy rainfall and hurricaneforce winds,” according to the hurricane center.
A storm surge of up to 12 feet was forecast for a large section of the Florida coast. Three Florida Panhandle counties issued mandatory evacuation orders.
Scott declared an emergency in 35 counties and asked President Donald Trump for help.
“Take this seriously, and keep your family safe,” Scott said from Bay County on Monday.