Tropical Storm Michael Forms, Florida Governor to Declare State of Emergency

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Tropical Storm Michael formed on Oct. 7, according to a 1 p.m. update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Some forecast models show that the storm could impact northern Florida and Alabama by Wednesday, Oct. 10.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said on Oct. 7 that he will declare a state of emergency for the Florida Panhandle area for the storm.

“By declaring this state of emergency, Governor Scott is ensuring that state and local government has ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this storm. Governor Scott will be traveling to Tallahassee today to receive a briefing from federal, state and local emergency management officials at the State Emergency Operation Center at 5:00 p.m.,” according to a statement from Scott’s office.

The NHC said that Michael is expected to “spread heavy rains over Western Cuba” on Oct. 7. Between 3 inches and 7 inches of rain could fall in some places. Two to 4 inches could fall on the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, and northern Honduras.

Tropical Storm Michael formed on Oct. 7, 2018, according to an 1 p.m. update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).

“Elsewhere, outer rain bands from Michael are expected to produce total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches across the Florida Keys through Monday,” according to the NHC.

The storm has winds of 40 mph with higher gusts. “Strengthening is forecast during the next several days, and Michael could become a hurricane by Tuesday night or Wednesday,” according to the agency.

When the storm approaches the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a gradual strengthening is forecast as the system moves to the north, according to the NHC’s discussion of the storm. “Nearly all of the intensity models bring the cyclone to hurricane strength over the Gulf of Mexico in 2 to 3 days, and the NHC forecast follows suit,” the NHC said.

The NHC added: “There is an increasing risk of dangerous storm surge, rainfall, and wind impacts over portions of the northern Gulf Coast by mid-week, although it is too soon to specify the exact location and magnitude of these impacts. Residents in these areas should monitor the progress of this system.”