Catastrophic Hurricane Michael

Catastrophic Hurricane Michael Strikes Florida Panhandle
October 10, 2018

Preliminary Assessment

Note: Information below is preliminary and subject to change.

Hurricane Michael made landfall as an unprecedented high-end Category 4 Hurricane for the Florida Panhandle region with maximum sustained wind speed of 155 mph and a minimum pressure 919 mb. The storm caused catastrophic damage from wind and storm surge, particularly in the Panama City Beach to Mexico Beach areas. The widespread catastrophic damage spread well inland as Hurricane Michael remained at hurricane strength into southwest Georgia. We are currently assessing the damage from Hurricane Michael and will update this page as additional information becomes available.

**For those dealing with recovery after the storm, please follow the direction of local emergency management and do not return home until told to do so. In addition, if you are using a generator, make sure to use it outside in a well ventilated location, well away from doors, windows and vent openings.**

Preliminary Track Map of Hurricane Michael:

Catastrophic damage from wind extended from the coast and well inland into southwest Georgia. In the Panama City area, Tyndall Air Force Base reported a maximum wind gust of 139 mph at Tyndall Air Force Base before the observation systems stopped reporting around 12:24PM EDT.

In terms of the rainfall, a Flash Flood Watch was in effect during the event and a few Flash Flood Warnings had to be issued. The highest rainfall value across the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, southwest Georgia and southeast Alabama as of 5am, October 11 was 6.63 inches in Calhoun County, GA.

Interactive Map: Michael Wind and Rainfall Observations (Preliminary):
To change layers on the map between wind and rainfall observations, click on the double-arrow at the top left of the map (>>), then click on "Legend". Use the checkboxes to make each layer appear or disappear.

View larger map

Extensive damage was reported along the path of Michael. Catastrophic storm surge flooded coastal communities. In addition, widespread devastating winds caused downed trees and powerlines, resulting in damage to homes and cars. In addition, widespread power outages exist across the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend and southwest Georgia. More than 110,000 customers were without power in the City of Tallahassee.

Extensive Tree Damage in Lynn Haven, FL:

Storm Surge in Panama City Beach: