BFF-71 Tropical storm Michael upgraded to hurricane in Gulf of Mexico

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US-WEATHER-HURRICANE

Tropical storm Michael upgraded to hurricane in Gulf of Mexico

MIAMI, Oct 8, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Tropical storm Michael strengthened to a
Category 1 hurricane Monday as it barreled toward the US Gulf Coast packing
maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour, meteorologists said.

The weather system was located between Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula and the
west coast of Cuba by 1500 GMT and was heading slowly towards the northern
Gulf Coast of Florida, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami said.

It is expected to be a major Category 3 hurricane by the time it hits
Florida on Wednesday, before moving northeast across the southeastern United
States through Thursday.

“Michael could produce three life-threatening hazards along portions of
the northeastern Gulf Coast: storm surge, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force
winds, with storm surge and hurricane watches in effect,” the NHC said on
Twitter.

“Residents in these areas should follow advice given by local officials.”

Heavy rainfall from Michael could produce “life-threatening flash
flooding,” the NHC said, from the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region into
portions of the Carolinas through Thursday.

Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for 26 counties
in the region.

“This morning I met with local officials and emergency management
professionals in Bay County in preparation for Hurricane Michael,” he
tweeted.

“I will be in Pasco County this afternoon to give another briefing. FL
families need to get ready for this storm RIGHT NOW.”

BSS/AFP/FI/ 2144 hrs