Hurricane Michael Approaching Florida Panhandle As Category 4 Storm

Hurricane Michael began its assault on the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast Wednesday morning as wind and rain from the Category 4 storm reached the coastline for the first time. Authorities say the time to evacuate has passed and urged residents to immediately seek shelter.  

Tropical storm conditions were being reported across the Panhandle as Hurricane Michael tracked toward the coast. A weather station in Bald Point, Florida, reported a sustained wind of 48 mph and wind gusts of up to 59 mph. 

The National Hurricane Center described Michael as "potentially catastrophic" with the storm posed to become the strongest one on record to strike the Florida Panhandle. Winds of up to 145 mph have been recorded by 

"Communities are going to see unimaginable devastation," Florida Gov. Rick Scott told reporters at a Wednesday night press conference. 

“Hurricane Michael is forecast to be the most destructive storm to hit the panhandle in a century,” Scott said. The National Weather Service says up to 12 inches of rain could fall in some parts of the Panhandle. 

“Flooding will be a major issue,” he added. 

In fact, coastal flooding has already begun in Florida's Gulf County. Florida's Department of Transportation tweeted video of a storm surge topping a seawall on Highway 98. 

Panama City Beach city manager Mario Gisbert told CNN that residents should take shelter in the least exposed room in their homes.

"Find a good, safe room within the house – typically it’s a closet, it’s a bathroom, it’s a hallway. If you’ve got an area where you’ve got water rising, just play it safe – try not to travel in that water," he told CNN. "Stay at home. Stay in a dry spot and just weather it out right now. It’s not the time to move."

Gov. Scott didn't mince words for any residents who have remained behind on the coast. He warned that first responders would be unable to come to the area if there is an emergency during the storm. He urged all residents who stayed behind to seek refuse immediately. 

The time for evacuating along the coast has come and gone. First responders will not be able to come out in the middle of the storm. If you chose to stay in an evacuation zone, you must SEEK REFUGE IMMEDIATELY.

Photo: Getty Images