FLORIDA — (Scroll Down For Video) — Hurricane Michael was upgraded to a major category 4 Hurricane as it neared landfall near Panama City Beach, Florida Wednesday—widespread flooding and damage is being reported.
Michael has been described as destructive. It’s been called a monster. Massive. Life-threatening.
Multiple states have declared a state of emergency. Florida Governor Rick Scott said the storm could be the most damaging hurricane in decades. It is expected to be the strongest storm to ever hit Florida’s Panhandle.
Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 150 mph.
A turn toward the northeast is expected this afternoon or tonight. On the forecast track, the core of Michael is expected to move ashore along the Florida Panhandle early this afternoon, move northeastward across the southeastern United States tonight and Thursday, and then move off the Mid-Atlantic coast away from the United States on Friday.
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