Hurricane Michael hit Florida’s panhandle Wednesday afternoon and began pushing farther into the U.S., leaving buildings in shambles and homes under water.
Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration following Michael’s impact to free up more federal resources for damaged Florida communities.
The following videos show Mexico Beach, Florida – near where Hurricane Michael first made landfall. Experts expected the city to receive nine feet to 13 feet of storm surge from Michael. Water can be seen nearly level with the roofs of houses and other buildings. Islands of debris are floating through submerged parts of the city.
Behind the storm now and seeing the damage. Surreal. #Michael pic.twitter.com/ru4nKZzkY9
— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) October 10, 2018
A look at what houses in #Mexico Beach, #Florida look like right now. This is a follow up from the previous clip posted. They are now submerged and were no match for #HurricaneMichael (via Tessa Talarico) #Hurricane #Michael #HurricaneMichael2018 pic.twitter.com/GJENrhFJha
— Josh Benson (@WFLAJosh) October 10, 2018
These pictures show damage done by Michael’s strong winds in Panama City. The hurricane made landfall as a strong Category 4 with sustained wind speeds around 155 miles per hour. Michael is the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. in October. (RELATED: It’s A ‘Worst Case Scenario’ As A Near Category 5 Hurricane Michael Pummels Florida)
There’s a lot of damage in Panama City, FL. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/c3Ik4R3ZRs
— Jeff Gammons (@StormVisuals) October 10, 2018
I believe this is called the gateway Christian academy. Sustained significant wind damage to the west side of the building. #hurricanemichael #PanamaCity pic.twitter.com/5VJz14bkRZ
— Jeff Gammons (@StormVisuals) October 10, 2018
Gas station canopy at the intersection of Cherry Street and Tyndall PKwy has collapsed. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/VkGHHgbwoG
— Jeff Gammons (@StormVisuals) October 10, 2018
Parts of Florida are expected to be without power for weeks, even months, as utility crews work to restore the panhandle’s damaged grid. Hurricane Michael destroyed power lines and transformers throughout the area, making restoration efforts difficult and dangerous.
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