MIAMI — Residents of Florida’s Panhandle frantically filled sandbags, boarded up homes and secured boats Oct. 8 as they anxiously awaited Hurricane Michael, which forecasters warned could smash into the state’s Gulf Coast as a dangerous major hurricane within days.
Fueled by warm tropical waters, Michael gained new strength by nightfall and could reach major hurricane status with winds topping 111 mph before its anticipated landfall Oct. 10 on the Panhandle or Big Bend area of Florida, forecasters warn.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott called Michael a “monstrous hurricane” with a devastating potential from high winds, storm surge and heavy rains.
Tropical Storm Michael churning as it heads toward the Florida Panhandle. (Associated Press)
Scott declared a state of emergency for 35 Florida counties from the Panhandle to Tampa Bay, activated hundreds of Florida National Guard members and waived tolls to encourage those near the coast to evacuate inland. Scott also said Oct. 8 that state health officials are reaching out to hospitals and nursing homes to be prepared. After Hurricane Irma last year, 14 people died when a South Florida nursing home lost power and air conditioning.