top of page

Major Hurricane Michael Will Soon Impact the Southeast United States

CURRENT CONDITIONS

This morning, Tropical Storm Michael strengthened into Hurricane Michael, with 75mph winds and gusts to over 90mph. The storm is the 7th hurricane of the Atlantic season.

As of 11am Monday, the storm is located off the coast of Cancun. It will continue northward through the Atlantic over the next 36-48 hours, continuing to better organize and gain strength over the warm waters. Wind shear is forecast to decrease over the Gulf of Mexico as the storm passes, therefore no weakening is expected before landfall.

FORECAST

With that being said, Michael is currently expected to make landfall in the Florida panhandle late Wednesday night as a Category 3 Major Hurricane, with 120mph sustained winds and higher gusts. After making landfall, the storm will weaken quickly but will remain at Tropical Storm strength as it passes through Georgia and the Carolinas.

IMPACTS

Hurricane Michael will bring significant impacts to the Gulf coasts, including:

  • Winds of 120mph with higher gusts

  • Flooding rains of 10-16” (more commonly 6-12”)

  • Significant wave heights of up to 40 feet

  • Dangerous storm surge and rip currents

  • Tornadoes in the outer bands across the SE US

CURRENT WATCHES, WARNINGS, AND ADVISORIES

  • Hurricane Warning: Cuban province of Pinar del Rio

  • Tropical Storm Warning: Cuban Province of Isle of Youth and the coast of Mexico near Cancun, including Cozumel

  • Hurricane Watch: Alabama-Florida border to Suwanee River, Florida

  • Tropical Storm Watch: Suwanee River to Anna Marie Island, Florida, including Tampa Bay and the Alabama-Florida border to the Mississippi-Alabama border

  • Storm Surge Watch: Navarre, Florida to Anna Maria Island, Florida, including Tampa Bay

PREPAREDNESS

  • Food and water to support your family for several days

  • Backup batteries, flashlights, weather radio

  • Small tool kit

  • Prescription and non-prescription drugs

  • Sanitation products

  • Clothing and bedding

  • Baby and pet items

  • Critical documents and possessions

  • Heed all evacuation orders from local officials

bottom of page