Florida braces: Michael to hit Wednesday as a Hurricane

Tropical Storm Michael formed early Sunday and the storm’s track takes aim at Florida’s panhandle.

The storm will move into the Gulf of Mexico early Tuesday and continue a northward trek that will likely impact northern Florida Wednesday afternoon as a Category 1 Hurricane. Michael is forecast to then move through parts of Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas later in the week at tropical storm strength.

Flordia Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for areas in the Florida panhandle and the state’s Big Bend region.

“As we continue to monitor this storm’s northward path toward Florida, it is critically important that our communities have every available resource to keep everyone safe and prepared,” Scott said in a statement.

Location and Strength

LOCATION: 19.2N 85.5W ABOUT 130 MI…205 KM SE OF COZUMEL MEXICO ABOUT 190 MI…305 KM SSW OF THE WESTERN TIP OF CUBA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 50 MPH
PRESENT MOVEMENT: NNE OR 20 DEGREES AT 3 MPH
CENTRAL PRESSURE: 999 MB 29.50 INCHES

Current Watches and Warnings:

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

• The Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio and the Isle of Youth
• The coast of Mexico from Tulum to Cabo Catoche, including Cozumel

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within 24 hours.