Now a ‘life threating monster’ category 4 storm, Hurricane Michael is just hours away from wreaking expected devastation on the Florida Panhandle.
Michael was less than 100 miles from vacation hotspot Panama City early Wednesday, likely bringing ‘potentially catastrophic’ storm surge of up to 13 feet, 130 mph winds and torrential rainfall.
"You cannot hide from this storm," said Florida Gov. Rick Scott.
"This is the worst storm that our Florida Panhandle has seen in a century. Hurricane Michael is upon us, and now is the time to seek refuge."
Scott declared a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties.
CNN weather experts say it will likely make landfall by mid-afternoon.
While the eye of the storm is still offshore, the resort city’s beachfront is already being lashed by strong waves and rain.
"This will be a catastrophic event the likes of which this region has never seen," warned the National Weather Service office in Tallahassee.
Jeff Byard, associate administrator for FEMA, told reporters the area should brace for ‘major infrastructure damage.’
States of emergencies have also been declared in Alabama and Georgia.
