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'Extremely Dangerous' Hurricane Michael Set to Hit Florida Panhandle

by VOA News

   Forecasters on Wednesday warned people in the southern U.S. state of
   Florida to be ready for the full impact of "extremely dangerous"
   Hurricane Michael.

   The storm's outer rain bands were soaking the Florida Panhandle early
   Wednesday as the center of the storm moved closer to its expected
   afternoon landfall.

   The National Hurricane Center said the storm had maximum sustained
   winds of 220 kilometers per hour, making it a powerful Category 4
   hurricane.

   Forecasters said it could gain even more strength in the warm waters of
   the Gulf of Mexico before reaching land.

   In addition to the powerful winds, Michael is also bringing the threat
   of dangerous storm surge that could reach up to four meters in some
   places.

   Rainfall is expected to total 10 to 20 centimeters in parts of Florida,
   Alabama and Georgia during the next few days.

   Florida Governor Rick Scott issued a series of tweets late Tuesday and
   early Wednesday imploring people in his state to evacuate coastal areas
   and remain safe during the storm.

   "I'm asking all Floridians to stay vigilant throughout tonight and
   tomorrow as we brace for Hurricane Michael to make landfall," Scott
   said.

   President Donald Trump said federal emergency officials are standing by
   to help with recovery efforts.

   The National Hurricane Center said Michael is the first major storm to
   hit the Florida Panhandle since Hurricane Dennis in 2005.