It was known that Hurricane Michael would pose a major threat to somewhere on the Gulf Coast. It was just unknown where exactly it would hit. As the storm inched closer to the Florida panhandle, it gained strength, rapidly increasing all the way to a Category 4 hurricane with 155 miles per hour winds, which is only two mph shy of being a Category 5.

The storm was determined to make landfall at Panama City Beach. This area had not experienced a storm of this caliber in over a hundred years, which meant people really didn’t know how to prepare for it. Florida Governor Rick Scott ordered an evacuation of all nearby counties but some chose to stay and weather the storm.

When Michael finally tore through the panhandle, houses were reduced to ruins, buildings suffered significant damage, and it brought a storm surge with it of twelve feet. A storm surge occurs when a powerful hurricane pushes ocean water onto the land creating massive amounts of flooding.

As of now, the damage is still being surveyed and rescue crews are searching for people who may be trapped under debris. It is already determined that there will be lengthy power outages and the rebuilding process will be a long one.

The storm did not just affect the coastal areas. It continued to tear through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. This led to flooding and power outages over hundreds of miles inland.

As of now, Michael has tragically taken the lives of 11 people. There is only so much you can do to prepare for such an event, but it is always the best precaution to evacuate when possible.