Hurricane Michael Most Powerful Storm To Hit Florida Panhandle

<p>Hurricane Michael came ashore in the Florida Panhandle Wednesday afternoon with winds of 155 mph. That makes it the fourth strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the U.S.</p>

Thursday, October 11th 2018, 12:17 am

By: News On 6


Hurricane Michael came ashore in the Florida Panhandle Wednesday afternoon with winds of 155 mph. That makes it the fourth strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the U.S.

In Panama City Beach, the sound of the storm was unmistakable, more like a jetliner at takeoff. "CBS Evening News" anchor Jeff Glor was there as the storm blasted the region for nearly an hour.

When Michael made landfall, winds were just 2 mph short of a Category 5 storm. Gusts may have clocked in higher, but the wind gauges broke. It was enough to rip the roof off of buildings.

Just a few miles to the east of Panama City Beach lies the tourist town of Mexico Beach, which took a direct hit. Michael flattened everything in its path, with storm surges of up to eight feet. The rainfall topped five inches of rain, completely submerging some houses, while other buildings lay in piles.

Michael is the lowest pressure hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland since 1969. It is the fourth strongest on record, and nothing this ferocious has ever hit the Panhandle. 

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

October 11th, 2018

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 28th, 2024