Hurricane Michael now Category 4 as it heads toward Panhandle
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Hurricane Michael is a Category 4 hurricane as it barrels toward the Panhandle.
The NHC says Michael is a major hurricane, capable of producing "life-threatening" storm surges.
Michael has maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and is moving north at 13 mph, according to NHC. Heavy rainfall is expected along the northeastern Gulf Coast.
CBS12's Mike Magnoli is covering the storm as Michael heads toward North Florida:
The center moved across the eastern Gulf of Mexico Tuesday night, with a forecast to make landfall over the Panhandle or Florida Big Bend Area Wednesday morning, the NHC said. The storm is then predicted to move northeastward across the southeastern U.S. Wednesday night and Thursday before going off the Mid-Atlantic coast away from the U.S.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles, according to the NHC.
Gov. Rick Scott is advising people who live in an evacuation zone to get out as soon as possible:
Meanwhile, Leslie became a hurricane again, but is no threat to land at this time, the NHC said.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* Okaloosa/Walton County Line Florida to Anclote River Florida
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for...
* Anclote River Florida to Anna Maria Island Florida, including
Tampa Bay
* Alabama/Florida border to Okaloosa/Walton County Line Florida
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Alabama/Florida border to Suwannee River Florida
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Alabama/Florida border to the Mississippi/Alabama border
* Suwanee River Florida to Chassahowitzka Florida
* Fernandina Beach Florida to South Santee River South Carolina
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Chassahowitzka to Anna Maria Island Florida, including Tampa Bay
* Mississippi/Alabama border to the Mouth of the Pearl River
* South Santee River South Carolina to Duck North Carolina
* Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
