Another hurricane is barreling in on the southeast United States, this time from the Gulf of Mexico.
Hurricane Michael, previously a tropical storm, increased to a strong Category 2 storm after it was fueled by the Gulf’s warm waters, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. It’s expected to make landfall on Wednesday.
The eye of #HurricaneMichael, seen in this #GOESEast loop, is really starting to take shape as the dangerous Cat. 2 storm moves north over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Follow Michael on our Atlantic hurricane tracker: https://t.co/d4YBBwPJah pic.twitter.com/qEtcC70zoh
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) October 9, 2018
As of Tuesday morning, the storm’s winds were approximately 110 m.p.h., just shy of a Category 3 storm. Hurricane-strength winds stretch 35 miles from the storm’s eye, while tropical storm-strength winds stretch 370 miles across.
The storm continues to increase in intensity, and is expected to make landfall as a Category 3. Even if it does not strengthen as expected, it’s current state is enough to pose significant danger.
FLORIDA – It is imperative that you heed the directions of your State and Local Officials. Please be prepared, be careful and be SAFE! #HurricaneMichael https://t.co/VP6PBXfzm9 pic.twitter.com/aKmaDNgZve
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2018
The storm is moving north at 12 m.p.h. toward the Florida Panhandle, where 120,000 residents received mandatory evacuation orders.
“Michael could develop into a potentially catastrophic event for the northeastern Gulf Coast,” the Tallahassee-based National Weather Service office said, according to The Weather Channel.
It’s also predicted to be the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle in 13 years.
U.S. Geological Service research oceanographer Kara Doran said waves in the Gulf of Mexico were expected to climb up to 40 feet high. Waves of 16 to 20 feet could strike the Panhandle’s shorelines, eroding protective dunes.
Big Bend, a marshy area in the Panhandle, is expected to be slammed with storm surges of up to 12 feet.
Here are the 10 AM CDT Key Messages for #Michael https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/X4GMc7grfP
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2018
Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for 35 counties in the Panhandle and along Florida’s western coast down to Tampa Bay.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for 92 counties. “The state is mobilizing all available resources to ensure public safety ahead of Hurricane Michael,” said Deal, according to 13 WMAZ. “In light of the storm’s forecasted track, I encourage Georgians in the affected counties to be prepared and remain vigilant.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey also declared a state of emergency for all 67 counties. “Alabama is once again in the path of a hurricane, but I know Alabamians will once again come together and be prepared for whatever Michael may bring,” Ivey said, according to Fox News.
Schools and universities in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia have closed or canceled classes until Thursday, the Associated Press reported.
FEMA has been tweeting frequently to warn of the risks associated with the hurricane, and to encourage evacuation.
“If you’re told to evacuate for Hurricane #Michael, leave NOW. Today is the last day to travel before storm conditions start. Storm surge is deadly, take it seriously,” the agency tweeted.
⚠️ If you’re told to evacuate for Hurricane #Michael, leave NOW. ⚠️
Today is the last day to travel before storm conditions start. Storm surge is deadly, take it seriously.
Follow @FLSERT & visit https://t.co/Chwi6Bp6Rd. pic.twitter.com/NszTNJdMuy
— FEMA (@fema) October 9, 2018
Hundreds of National Guard troops have been deployed, along with search and rescue teams, and other agencies to prepare a coordinated effort.
