Michael Expected to Gain Hurricane Strength Nearing Florida

This satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows a view of Tropical Storm Michael, lower right, churning as it heads toward the Florida Panhandle, Oct. 7, 2018, at 6:52 p.m. Eastern Time. NOA/AP

ORLANDO, Florida—Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Oct. 7 warned that a tropical storm headed for the Florida Panhandle could become a Category 2 hurricane with winds up to 100 miles per hour by the time it makes landfall at midweek.

Scott issued an order for a state of emergency for 26 counties in the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend area. The declaration will free up resources for storm preparation.