Hurricane Michael slammed into the Florida Panhandle with terrifying winds of 155 mph Wednesday, splintering homes and submerging neighborhoods before continuing its destructive charge inland across the Southeast. It was the most powerful hurricane to hit the continental United States in nearly 50 years and at least one death was reported during its passage. Follow Breitbart News for updates on the storm’s progress and stories from the people in its path.

Live Wire Highlights:

• National Weather Service in Tallahassee issues its first-ever Extreme Wind Warning

• One person has died due to the storm

• Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum takes shot at “partisan” President Trump on MSNBC

• Hurricane Michael makes landfall near Panama City Beach with wind speeds just below Category 5 threshold

• It is the first Category 4 hurricane in recorded history to make landfall in Florida’s Panhandle

• Over 30,000 people lost power in Tallahassee

• Michael weakens to a tropical storm as it moves into Georgia and Alabama

All times eastern.

12:50 AM —

Michael weakens to a tropical storm over south-central Georgia, NHC reports. https://t.co/PVCK6tphSQ pic.twitter.com/OoN11HIZ1B — NBC News (@NBCNews) October 11, 2018

11:35 PM — Hurricane Michael makes its way over Fayetteville, Georgia.

11:25 PM — Forecasters say Michael is weakening but still a hurricane with 75-mph (120-kph) winds as it crosses central Georgia, per the Associated Press.

The National Hurricane Center said Michael was located at 11 p.m. EDT Wednesday about 45 miles (70 kilometers) south-southwest of Macon, Georgia. The low-level Category 1 hurricane was picking up speed and moving to the northeast at 20 mph.

The Miami-based hurricane center says Michael will move across Georgia through the night and early Thursday morning. It is expected to then cross the Carolinas and move off the Mid-Atlantic coast by early Friday.

Forecasters say Michael is expected to become a tropical storm sometime Thursday morning.

11:14 PM — President Donald Trump speaks with Fox News Channel host Shannon Bream about why it would be unfair to cancel Wednesday evening’s rally.

.@POTUS on appearing at rally after hurricane: "This was set up a long time ago. We had thousands of people lined up from yesterday." @foxnewsnight https://t.co/4zE1VEBq5d pic.twitter.com/2HgteR3NLQ — Fox News (@FoxNews) October 11, 2018

11:06 PM —

MORE: Atlantic Hurricane Michael forecast to re-strengthen some Thursday night when it moves off the east coast of U.S. and becomes a post-tropical cyclone on Friday – NHC pic.twitter.com/mKYnS5PJsj — Reuters Top News (@Reuters) October 11, 2018

10:58 PM —

Michael is hanging on by a thread to hurricane status over south-central Georgia with 75 mph winds near the center near Macon. Expect it to weaken into a tropical storm as it brings heavy rain/gusty wind to the Carolinas #scwx #ncwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/F7YpN5AF4h — FOX Carolina News (@foxcarolinanews) October 11, 2018

10:05 PM — The University of South Carolina in Columbia has canceled classes on Thursday due to Hurricane Michael.

9:54 PM —

Power outages from Hurricane Michael at 9:50 PM Wed.

Florida: 324,000 homes

Georgia: 119,000

Alabama: 58,000 — JohnBelski (@WLKYJohnBelski) October 11, 2018

9:51 PM — Pets find shelter as Hurricane Michael batters Flordia Panhandle.

Pets and people find shelter during Hurricane Michael in Panama City, Florida

📷Brendan Smialowski pic.twitter.com/augVMjsKvs — AFP news agency (@AFP) October 11, 2018

9:18 PM — CoreLogic estimates Hurricane Michael could cause $2 to$4.5 billion in damages to real estate.

9:09 PM — Hurricane Michael has begun weakening as it charges across southwestern Georgia with damaging winds and rains. It has dropped from a once formidable Category 4 to a bottom-tier Category 1 storm, per the Associated Press.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the eye of Michael was about 20 miles southwest of Albany, Georgia, at 9 p.m. EDT Wednesday. It had top sustained winds of 90 mph and was moving to the northeast at 17 mph.

Forecasters say storm flooding is still occurring along the Florida Gulf Coast after Michael crashed ashore Wednesday afternoon as a fierce storm with 155 mph winds. The storm is expected to head to the northeast as it crosses south and central Georgia into the Carolinas in coming hours.

9:06 PM —

FLORIDA WATERSPOUT – Whoa! Check out this video from Wed. late afternoon of a waterspout that appears to have come ashore as a tornado by Lido Beach in Sarasota, FL. The tornado threat continues into the overnight for parts of the southeast. #flwx #HurricaneMichael @NWSTampaBay pic.twitter.com/UyCgizXAeB — WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) October 11, 2018

9:03 PM — Duke Energy says Hurricane Michael could cause 300,000-500,000 power outages in North Carolina and South Carolina

8:59 PM — Amazing satellite gif.

Absolutely incredible how quickly Hurricane #Michael strengthened from a Category 1 storm to a Category 4 in just 24 hrs. Watch it yourself!

-3rd most Intense U.S. Hurricane at landfall on record by Pressure

-4th Strongest U.S. Hurricane at landfall by Winds Prayers for Florida pic.twitter.com/4t3JaQbYnM — Josh Johns (@JoshJohnsWx) October 11, 2018

8:40 PM — The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings in Georgia as Hurricane Michael pushed through the state, and local media report three of them may have touched down, according to the Associated Press.

News media in Macon reported that by early evening Wednesday, tornadoes had touched down near Roberta, Perry and Fort Valley in Georgia’s midstate region.

Crawford County officials said a possible tornado damaged five homes near Roberta. The county’s emergency management director told news media it touched down on Highway 128 and knocked down power lines and trees. No injuries were reported.

Weather officials had warned that the massive storm, which came ashore Wednesday afternoon in Florida’s Panhandle region, could spawn tornadoes as it moves northeast.

8:26 PM — Hurricane Michael weakens to a category 1 storm.

8:15 PM — The National Weather Service releases the latest experimental advisory summary for Hurricane Michael.

8:07 PM — Hurricane Michael has left extensive damage in Panama City, with broken and uprooted trees and power lines down nearly everywhere, the Associated Press says. Roofs were peeled off and homes split open by fallen trees. Twisted street signs lay on the ground. Residents emerged early Wednesday evening to assess damage when rains stopped, though skies were still overcast and windy.

A pine tree punched a hole in the roof of the apartment where 29-year-old Vance Beu was staying with his mother. The roar of the storm sounded like a jet engine as the wind accelerated, and their ears popped as pressure dropped.

Beu said, “It was terrifying, honestly. There was a lot of noise. We thought the windows were going to break at any time. We had the inside windows kind of barricaded in with mattresses. We did whatever we could to kind of hunker down.”

7:57 PM —

Stunning sunset over devastation in Mexico Beach, Florida. pic.twitter.com/I5d7PT5WXM — Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) October 10, 2018

7:53 PM —

The parking lot of Charlie’s Fish House restaurant is now a massive pool, filled with water from the gulf which is right behind the restaurant. #fox35 #hurricanemichael2018 #Michael #HurricaneMichael #Hurricane pic.twitter.com/MZQo5ivifS — Kirstin Delgado (@KirstinWINKNews) October 10, 2018

7:41 PM — A Red Cross official says it’s possible that as many as 320,000 people on Florida’s Gulf Coast did not evacuate and are likely riding out the storm, per the Associated Press.

Evacuation orders were sent by state and local officials to about 325,000 people. Emergency managers say they don’t know how many left the area, but there were about 6,000 people in 80 shelters in five states, including nearly 1,200 who are still in shelters following Hurricane Florence.

Michael went from a tropical storm to a projected Category 3 hurricane in around six hours and could have caught thousands off guard.

Brad Kieserman is the Vice President of Operations and Logistics for the American Red Cross. He says the storm “intensified extremely quickly and didn’t give anyone enough time to do much.”

7:39 PM — CNN interviews Mexico Beach councilwoman Linda Albrecht.

"I've had people say 'I'm sorry about your house,' but I haven't had any specifics … I'm expecting the worst."

Councilwoman Linda Albrecht of Mexico Beach, Florida evacuated ahead of #HurricaneMichael.

She is anticipating her home having been destroyed.https://t.co/TNHC07IYEE pic.twitter.com/AsEkIDNLmk — OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) October 10, 2018

7:35 PM — Republican Florida gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis joins Fox News Channel host Martha Maccallum to discuss Hurricane Michael.

.@RepDeSantis on Hurricane Michael: "This was not a storm a week ago people were really paying attention to." #TheStory https://t.co/S6wkOetTRg pic.twitter.com/oBzF9uEyvK — Fox News (@FoxNews) October 10, 2018

7:29 PM — Hurricane Michael downgraded to a category 2 storm.

Hurricane Michael is now a category 2 storm; @rickreichmuth has a look at the forecast. #TheStory https://t.co/S1R2eojJpl pic.twitter.com/9dI90H89nX — Fox News (@FoxNews) October 10, 2018

7:24 PM —

490,000+ customers are without power across Alabama, Georgia and Florida as a result of #HurricaneMichael, according to utilities and emergency management. — Victor Blackwell CNN (@VictorBlackwell) October 10, 2018

7:20 PM —

Michael is the strongest hurricane to hit anywhere in the United States in October since Hazel tore into the Carolinas in 1954. https://t.co/Kqtp2KuYqi pic.twitter.com/ErmhBtEybA — USA TODAY (@USATODAY) October 10, 2018

https://twitter.com/wchs8fox11/status/1050162477625892864

7:10 PM — Gadsden County sheriff official says one man has died after a tree fell on his home. Details to come.

AP: Authorities in Gadsden Co., FL say a man was killed by a falling tree as Hurricane Michael tore through the state. — Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseRodriguez) October 10, 2018

7:09 PM — Speaking before supporters at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump sends his thoughts and prayers to residents in Hurricane Michael’s path, says he will head to Florida in the very near future.

Pres. Trump begins Pennsylvania rally by sending “thoughts and prayers of our entire nation to everyone in the path of #HurricaneMichael, especially in the Florida Panhandle." The president added that he’ll be traveling to Florida “very, very shortly.” https://t.co/RIv9RSyG5C pic.twitter.com/60vITnCJzG — ABC News (@ABC) October 10, 2018

7:06 PM — Feel good story amid the chaos.

Tallahassee couple doesn't let Hurricane Michael get in the way of their wedding https://t.co/Fz0gIo8MfX pic.twitter.com/NwjrR0LAMU — 10News WTSP (@10NewsWTSP) October 10, 2018

7:04 PM — Louisiana is sending dozens of emergency personnel, along with boats, ambulances and other equipment to Florida to help with the response to Hurricane Michael, according to the Associated Press.

The state emergency preparedness office announced the assistance Wednesday, shortly before the storm roared ashore.

The emergency workers include ambulance teams coordinated by the Louisiana health department, search-and-rescue workers from the fire marshal’s office, firefighters, medics and a helicopter team from the Louisiana National Guard. The assistance, for which Louisiana will be reimbursed, is coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact system.

Meanwhile, Entergy says its Louisiana subsidiaries are sending 170 employees and contractors to help Florida restore power lost due to Michael.

Florida’s state government reports says there are at least 191,000 homes and businesses without power because of the storm.

7:02 PM —

VIDEO: Huge waves churning as seen from a marine merchant vessel in St. Andrews Bay. https://t.co/k0kiLzhFcf #HurricaneMichael #kprc2 pic.twitter.com/tpyLhrv8dR — KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) October 10, 2018

6:54 PM — Hurricane Michael prompts movie theaters chains AMC Cinemas and Regal Cinemas to close locations in the Florida panhandle and southern Georgia, according to Variety.

6:50 PM — North Carolina State Fair manager Kent Yelverton said Wednesday the event won’t open as planned on Thursday. Yelverton says the fair will instead open Friday morning and run for 10 days instead of 11, per the Associated Press.

State Agriculture Department spokeswoman Andrea Ashby said forecasts of heavy rain and high winds led to the decision.

Michael came ashore in Florida on Wednesday as a Category 4 hurricane. It is expected to pack wind gusts of 35 mph (55 kph) or more and dump several inches of rain in North Carolina.

Ashby said the fairgrounds will remain closed to the general public Thursday, though vendors and others with businesses to run will be admitted.

6:48 PM — Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) says he’s particularly concerned about the storm blocking Interstate 10, which runs east-west across northern Florida through Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville, reports the Associated Press.

Rubio told CNN on Wednesday that the highway will be a major route to bring in aid, and making sure it’s clear of debris will be a priority.

Rubio says he also wants to see power returned to the affected areas as quickly as possible. In the past, many deaths have occurred in the days after a hurricane, with nursing homes residents being left without air conditioning or homeowners being exposed to carbon monoxide from generators.

6:43 PM — The National Hurricane Center says Michael has lost some power, but it remains a dangerous Category 3 storm as it approaches an area where Florida, Alabama and Georgia meet, per the Associated Press. Maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (200 kph) continued to batter the Florida Panhandle, with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the center. It made landfall near Mexico Beach, Florida, as a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane earlier Wednesday afternoon.

According to a 5 p.m. advisory, the storm was located 30 miles west of Bainbridge, Georgia, and 70 miles southwest of Albany, Georgia. It was moving north-northeast at 16 mph. Forecasters say storm surge waters are beginning to recede, but some normally dry areas near the coast will continue to be flooded.

6:25 PM — Gov. Rick Scott provides an update on the storm. “If you and your family made it through this storm safely, the worst thing you can do now is act foolishly and put your self and your family in danger, or keep law enforcement from saving lives,” he tells reporters. No fatalities have been confirmed at this time.

6:13 PM — Tallahassee is now allowing first responders and utility crews out into the open.

While crews have headed back out, road safety conditions are not known. Damage assessments are underway. Please stay sheltered indoors. Windy conditions, wet roads, flying debris and more create dangerous conditions. #MichaelTLH — City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 10, 2018

6:07 PM —

Absolutely incredible view inside Michael’s eye from the cockpit of a Hurricane Hunter pic.twitter.com/01b8thgWGn — Brian L Kahn (@blkahn) October 10, 2018

6:03 PM —

'Extensive damage' at Tyndall Air Force Base outside Panama City, Fla, but no injuries. Installation took 'direct hit' from Hurricane Michael. Base evacuated Monday, officials unsure when safe to return: statement — Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) October 10, 2018

Destruction in Mexico Beach… from talarico.tessa (IG) pic.twitter.com/ZvmislgLBi — James Spann (@spann) October 10, 2018

5:52 PM —

Governor Nathan Deal has extended the State of Emergency to now include 108 counties across the state. The Governor's office reports that "Deal activated 1,500 Georgia Guardsmen to be placed on standby and deployed as needed to areas affected by the hurricane." #gawx #Michael pic.twitter.com/GaFr7itOkv — Kristen Kennedy (@KKennedy_WX) October 10, 2018

5:37 PM — More scenes of Panama City destruction:

5:31 PM — Closer look at a building glimpsed in earlier videos.

A boat warehouse in Emerald Coast Marine in Niceville, Florida, was torn apart by Hurricane Michael. pic.twitter.com/CX4xZhAZlb — WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) October 10, 2018

5:12 PM —

DEVASTATION: Hurricane Michael left buildings destroyed in Panama City, Florida as it made landfall. (Video courtesy: Gary Schmitt / Live Storms Media) pic.twitter.com/dQNdz1WSDK — CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) October 10, 2018

Good thing they closed this ⁦@WaffleHouse⁩ in Panama City. A billboard crushed it and blew out the windows. ⁦@DaveHWSB⁩ will be LIVE on ⁦@wsbtv⁩ at 6 too pic.twitter.com/hFs7XWa9sK — Craig Lucie (@CraigLucie) October 10, 2018

5:07 PM — Michael is officially downgraded to Category 3 as it moves into Georgia and Alabama.

5:01 PM — More closeup views of the destruction in Panama City.

4:55 PM —

These AC units did not fare well during Hurricane Michael #PanamaCity pic.twitter.com/nMbtpMhTIg — David Ovalle (@DavidOvalle305) October 10, 2018

4:53 PM —

Water main breaks in Panama City Beach. Just adding a bit more moisture to the situation. @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/hh0f2Gxqkw — Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) October 10, 2018

4:42 PM — Latest wire photos.

4:41 PM — Lynn Haven is about five miles north of Panama City.

Incredible tree damage in Lynn Haven from Michael. pic.twitter.com/OQs0KAMWAO — Chris Smith (@smithwjhg) October 10, 2018

4:37 PM — About 70 miles northwest of Tallahassee.

4:14 PM — Storm surge finally receding in Apalachicola.

Appears a peak water level of 9.34ft in Apalachicola above MLLW #flwx pic.twitter.com/lWNLxXEoDv — Jeff Lindner (@JeffLindner1) October 10, 2018

4:09 PM — Montage of new footage from Panama City:

https://twitter.com/abc3340/status/1050115937888862209

4:00 PM —

3:44 PM —

WATCH: Video shows Hurricane Michael ravaging Mexico Beach, Florida https://t.co/wHoF5OcuuV pic.twitter.com/Y20OQ4JsUb — WBRZ News (@WBRZ) October 10, 2018

3:40 PM — Winds strengthening in Tallahassee as Michael approaches.

3:31 PM — Port St. Joe is about 30 miles southeast of Panama City.

Storm surge flowing down Clifford Sims Parkway in Port St. Joe. #HurricaneMicahel pic.twitter.com/NxpP6WOli3 — Nick Popham (@KATVPopham) October 10, 2018

3:30 PM —

SCARY: Weather Channel Meteorologist Jim Cantore comes to the rescue of NBC reporter Kerry Sanders when he nearly gets blown away by a wind gust during Hurricane Michael in Panama City Beach: https://t.co/D52JDRgCyE pic.twitter.com/mJJDT1NUy9 — WESH 2 News (@WESH) October 10, 2018

3:23 PM — New wire photos:

3:19 PM — St. Marks is about 20 miles south of Tallahassee.

3:15 PM — Extensive damage in Panama City and Mexico Beach:

https://twitter.com/abc3340/status/1050101798843936775

And this was the weak side #HurricanMichael Panama City Beach pic.twitter.com/ebWHcWvVcI — Jim Edds (@ExtremeStorms) October 10, 2018

There’s a lot of damage in Panama City, FL. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/c3Ik4R3ZRs — Jeff Gammons (@StormVisuals) 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

3:13 PM —

3:11 PM — Michael has maintained wind speeds of 150 mph as it heads inland.

Hurricane wind field just west of #Tallahassee, moving NNE at 15mph. Winds are now 150mph. #EyeonTropics pic.twitter.com/0a52STP8bQ — tom terry (@TTerryWFTV) October 10, 2018

We expect hurricane force winds to enter into our community this evening between 4 and 10 p.m. Peak winds of 90 mph are expected near 7 p.m. Winds are not expected to weaken back down to tropical force winds until Thursday morning at 2 a.m. #MichaelTLH — City of Tallahassee (@COTNews) October 10, 2018

3:08 PM — Latest numbers on Tallahassee residents without power:

30,000 people without power in the Tallahassee area now. Winds are picking up to the strongest we've seen so far. @news6wkmg #HurricaneMichael — Erik Sandoval (@ErikSandoval) October 10, 2018

2:50 PM — Scenes from a flooded hotel in Panama Beach:

2:44 PM — Response and relief incoming: Trump suggests weekend trip to survey damage from Michael.

Volunteers at the Second Harvest Food Bank are packing up 6,000 disaster boxes over the next 3 days to send to #FloridaPanhandle after #HurricaneMichael . These boxes are smaller with bare necessities of easy to eat meals, toilet paper & paper towels @feedhopenow @news6wkmg pic.twitter.com/jkir0KqWeA — Nadeen Yanes (@NadeenNews6) October 10, 2018

2:42 PM —

Power outages growing across #Tallahassee area. 115,000+. Some traffic lights out. I’ve been hearing the boom of fuses blowing. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/uCK8kaFWb4 — Jen Carfagno (@JenCarfagno) October 10, 2018

2:41 PM —

WOW……Incredible video coming in of Hurricane Michael exploding a house into pieces in Panama City, Florida. (Source: Aaron Rigsby/Live Storms Media) #hurricanemichael #hurricane pic.twitter.com/kT2mKOzvjH — CBS 4 News (@kgbt) October 10, 2018

https://twitter.com/wsyx6/status/1050092383248011264

A whole house was ripped apart in #Mexico Beach, #Florida. Here is video of parts of the home washing up to other properties. This is one powerful storm. #HurricaneMichael. (via Talarico Tessa) #Hurricane #mexicobeach pic.twitter.com/BBlzMm4Au2 — Josh Benson (@WFLAJosh) October 10, 2018

2:26 PM — New footage from the International Space Station.

https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1050089915818631168

2:25 PM —

Cantore nearly just got speared by 2×4 it seemed. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/tyNWrymC3p — Tim Ballisty (@IrishEagle) October 10, 2018

2:22 PM —

WATCH: Facing powerful Hurricane Michael winds, @LesterHoltNBC and his news crew move a Panama City hotel mattress to cover their window: “We want to be on the air, but we’ve got to take care of each other.” pic.twitter.com/06O4pFYzXc — NBC News (@NBCNews) October 10, 2018

2:21 PM —

Thinking of Panama City Beach and the gulf coast as Hurricane Michael causes major destruction after making landfall with 155 MPH. Almost a Category 5 hurricane @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/qpFQatQA8Z — Caroline Patrickis (@Cpatrickis) October 10, 2018

Eyewall of Michael by Tyndall AFB. Full sunshine in eye! Experience of a lifetime. Now pray for the people affected. #flwx pic.twitter.com/ftVXHTP0km — Basehunters Chasing (@Basehunters) October 10, 2018

2:19 PM —

@CJohnFranklin is in Florida, where Hurricane Michael is currently hitting the coast as a category 4 storm pic.twitter.com/GmEZLNEp7j — WWL-TV (@WWLTV) October 10, 2018

"We are experiencing some pretty intense winds."@ABC meteorologist @RobMarciano is knocked back by a powerful wind gust while reporting on #HurricaneMichael in Panama City, Florida. https://t.co/uKgG5vzs83 pic.twitter.com/AcLLGBtZ57 — World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) October 10, 2018

2:18 PM — Wire photos from Panama City:

2:13 PM —

WATCH: @DaveHWSB just shot this video of damage in Panama City Beach moments after #HurricaneMichael made landfall on the Florida Panhandle: https://t.co/37qxzyYhsv #StormWatchOn2 pic.twitter.com/G4F6mpqDfR — WSB-TV (@wsbtv) October 10, 2018

2:07 PM —

Devastating satellite imagery as Hurricane #Michael makes landfall near Mexico Beach, FL. pic.twitter.com/QfGvqvW8Bg — NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) October 10, 2018

2:06 PM — Incredible local news footage of debris flying by the front of a hotel entrance.

VIDEO: Hurricane Michael makes landfall as Category 4 storm: https://t.co/MkwFY01Mb5 via @YouTube — ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) October 10, 2018

2:05 PM —

Tree down on Glenview Drive at Temple (between Thomasville Rd & Meridian). Trees are starting to fall. 10/10/18 2:02 p.m. Please stay inside and off the roads. #MichaalTLH pic.twitter.com/djgzGH7IOW — Tallahassee Police (@TallyPD) October 10, 2018

2:03 PM — NBC News’ Lester Holt has given up on reporting from outside his hotel room.

"It's like having a jet engine outside our door right now."@LesterHoltNBC reports live from Panama City as Cat. 4 Hurricane Michael makes landfall. pic.twitter.com/kXPMoZ4oGa — NBC News (@NBCNews) October 10, 2018

2:01 PM —

Incredible close range power flashes in Panama City Beach, #Florida. High winds and damage shots from #HurricaneMichael. Courtesy: Gary Schmitt & Live Storms Media. pic.twitter.com/iJfYSKmnI0 — KATV News (@KATVNews) October 10, 2018

The water continues to climb rapidly in Apalachicola several hours from high tide. #Michael's highest water levels have already sailed past #Dennis' old record set in 2005, and we've got time to go. pic.twitter.com/9LYZ9KLPrM — Jonathan ⚡☔ (@JonathanBelles) October 10, 2018

1:59 PM —

#breaking: Hurricane Michael is making landfall in Panama City Beach, Florida as a strong cat 4 storm, almost a cat 5! Winds topping 155 mph. Check out what it looks like from @wjxt4’s cameras! Wow! This thing is a monster! #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/GTRvKAeXgC — Preston Phillips (@PrestonTVNews) October 10, 2018

#BREAKING on @ABC7: New images of #HurricaneMichael and its power. I would not want to be in Panama City, FL right now. Wishing those who did not evacuate the best of luck. Video Courtesy: Martin Herrera/WatherNation #Michael #Evacuation #severeweather pic.twitter.com/w6QUt6XpIZ — Brandi Hitt (@ABC7Brandi) October 10, 2018

1:58 PM —

Panama City is getting raked. Long time being spent in the eyewall. Eye itself went right over Tyndall AFB. #Michael pic.twitter.com/65Iam8TerU — Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) October 10, 2018

1:57 PM —

1:56 pm | Conditions are quickly starting to deteriorate in Tallahassee #HurricaneMichael @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/PJZijYCUcd — Manuel Bojorquez (@BojorquezCBS) October 10, 2018

1:54 PM — Michael is officially the strongest hurricane on record to hit the Panhandle.

https://twitter.com/WMBDNews/status/1050082070184292353

https://twitter.com/NWSWilmingtonNC/status/1050082609781452800

1:53 PM —

Hard to see – but this is shot through the window of the building we’re in. The hotel sign just fell off the top, and a McDonalds M has just taken flight too #HurricanMichael #panamacity pic.twitter.com/CErNkbzBCF — Emily Purser (@EmilyPurser) October 10, 2018

1:49 PM —

These are by far the worst conditions we’ve experienced in Panama City Beach #HurricaneMichael #11Alive pic.twitter.com/OKYTKGdSXb — Ryan Kruger (@Ryan11Alive) October 10, 2018

1:43 PM — Just 2 MPH below Category 5.

Hurricane Michael makes landfall near Mexico Beach in Florida with winds of 155 mph. The storm is moving is NNE at 14 mph. #michael pic.twitter.com/ptVmCWKUaM — Rob Fowler (@RobStormTeam2) October 10, 2018

1:40 PM —

This is crazy. This is Hurricane Michael in Panama City, FL. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/6QtY3uAR2k — David Charns WMTW (@DavidWMTW) October 10, 2018

Catastrophic wind in eye wall of Hurricane #Michael in Panama City Beach eastern tip @breakingweather @accuweather pic.twitter.com/nPPoBPZkai — Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) October 10, 2018

"The wind here is horrendous, far worse than a lot of folks expected," @CBSEveningNews' @jeffglor reports from Panama City, Florida, where #HurricaneMichael is making landfall. https://t.co/4VC6rjqjFc pic.twitter.com/v6qpVWC1op — CBS News (@CBSNews) October 10, 2018

1:39 PM —

Wind already taking roofs off of buildings as Hurricane Michael bears down on the panhandle. pic.twitter.com/c0RgNA8C6D — Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenezCNN) October 10, 2018

1:32 PM —

Conditions in Panama City Beach are quickly deteriorating as #HurricaneMichael nears the shore. https://t.co/M5nq0BZcMs pic.twitter.com/TZ3C0qbm7P — Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) October 10, 2018

1:31 PM — National Weather Service in Tallahassee loses contact with a doppler radar.

All, we've lost communications with our radar, KTLH. Please utilized KEVX (Eglin AFB), and EOX (Ft. Rucker) as alternatives right now. — NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) October 10, 2018

1:29 PM —

Looks like #HurricaneMichael is already leaving its mark on #Tallahassee. Video from Glenn Rainey appears to show trees down, debris on road. #flwx pic.twitter.com/JGG3B8fGXb — Emileigh Forrester WALB 🎥 (@EmileighTV) October 10, 2018

1:26 PM —

BREAKING:

Tyndall Air Force Base just had a wind gust to 129 MPH as Hurricane Michael is making landfall! pic.twitter.com/MKh98F8GYT — Peter Hall (@PeteWeatherBeat) October 10, 2018

Starting to really feel it here in #PanamaCity. Building is shaking. @nbc6 — Laura Rodriguez (@LauraNBC6) October 10, 2018

1:22 PM —

I seriously have no words to describe this, it’s awesome but equally terrifying #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/0Y8HQJub1Z — Kirsten Fiscus (@KDFiscus) October 10, 2018

1:20 PM — Landfall is official. Local news station cuts off.

Landfall occurring now. Hurricane #Michael moving inland near Panama City. Category 4 hurricane with 150mph wind. pic.twitter.com/zPhxEk2JP3 — George Flickinger (@gflickinger) October 10, 2018

WJHG has lost power. Broadcast is down — Danielle Ellis (@Danielle__Ellis) October 10, 2018

1:16 PM — Latest wire photos.

1:13 PM —

"The power lines are already coming down behind me."@davidmuir reports from the storm zone in Panama City, Florida as Hurricane Michael bears down on the Florida Panhandle. https://t.co/nvs5nv0jeI pic.twitter.com/2fGGY6l9KY — ABC News (@ABC) October 10, 2018

This is just the start of what Hurricane Michael is bringing to Florida's Panhandle. This is Highway 98 in Eastpoint, FL. #hurricanemichael (Video: Gary Martina) pic.twitter.com/I0pT0Z19kU — David Charns WMTW (@DavidWMTW) October 10, 2018

There’s a 30-foot wave off the panhandle coast. Michael is less than 20 miles from Panama City Beach. 106 mile wind recorded at Port St Joe – — james call (@CallTallahassee) October 10, 2018

1:09 PM —

Second light pole at our hotel in Panama City topples. Strong winds gusting in from the northeast. Hurricane Michael has a lot of energy. #HuricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/MVAairzXyF — Michael Braun (@MichaelBraunNP) October 10, 2018

1:03 PM —

1:02 PM —

The eye wall of #HurricaneMichael is near Panama City Beach and structures are being tested! pic.twitter.com/wvqfrw6HwN — Marc Weinberg (@MarcWeinbergWX) October 10, 2018

Hurricane Michael's winds rip shingles off a roof in Panama City Beach as the Panhandle braces for landfall. https://t.co/M5nq0BZcMs #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/8P5umkEAUB — Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) October 10, 2018

1:01 PM —

PANAMA CITY: Here is a look at the Hathaway Bridge that is currently closed. It has been deemed to dangerous to cross. Looking at this picture, you can see why. Heavy wind and rain currently #FCNStorm pic.twitter.com/TXZtOK7GWL — Katie Jeffries (@Katie_Jeffries) October 10, 2018

12:57 PM —

#Hurricane #Michael's pressure continues to drop – now down to 919 hPa. Only two continental US hurricanes have made landfall with a lower pressure: Labor Day (1935) – 892 hPa and Camille (1969) – 900 hPa. pic.twitter.com/sSt5jlmoOI — Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) October 10, 2018

12:56 PM —

You can physically see the wind gusts — some as high as 87 mph here in #Apalachicola // #HurricaneMichael @FoxNewsMMR pic.twitter.com/wUpRpIjZkj — Emilie Ikeda (@emilie_ikeda) October 10, 2018

12:54 PM —

Large chunks of the roof at Pineapple Willy’s in Panama City Beach are coming off at a time. The northern eyewall is hitting the coast. #Michael pic.twitter.com/gbhaDhl4qe — Tyler Allender WECP (@TylerAllender) October 10, 2018

12:51 PM —

“We’ve seen submerged vehicles. We’ve had dumpsters floating by us. We’ve had all kinds of debris… a little bit difficult to stand up in these conditions.” CNN meteorologist @VanDamCNN in Apalachicola as Hurricane Michael approaches the coast. Latest: https://t.co/N5t3IHLVLA pic.twitter.com/r2H1ukKpl0 — CNN (@CNN) October 10, 2018

12:49 PM —

More than 5,000 people without power in Tallahassee right now. Number is going to grow quickly. @news6wkmg #HurricaneMichael — Erik Sandoval (@ErikSandoval) October 10, 2018

12:46 PM —

The outer bands of Hurricane Micheal already enough to rip off branches here in Panama City. My guess is that these trees don’t make it through the storm. pic.twitter.com/rn9U5vDbKo — Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenezCNN) October 10, 2018

12:45 PM — Latest wire photos:

12:43 PM —

Bobby Varnes, police chief of Apalachicola, Florida, says the winds from Hurricane Michael are as bad as he’s ever seen them in 39 years of living there. "Right now, there's no emergency services," he says: "It's just too dangerous." pic.twitter.com/GfrlPY8GQQ — CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) October 10, 2018

12:42 PM —

12:39 PM —

12:35 pm | Timelapse video of sheets of rain moving through Tallahassee – conditions only expected to worsen through the afternoon and evening hours #HurricaneMichael @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/oYmvYdRqAD — Manuel Bojorquez (@BojorquezCBS) October 10, 2018

12:39pm: this is Alys Beach, a few miles west of Panama City Beach. Storm surge is taking over. Beachfront real estate will likely be nearly underwater this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/KzGH3NYy2F — Ella Dorsey (@Ella__Dorsey) October 10, 2018

12:35 PM —

“The water is rising, and it is rising fast." @TerrellWPLG reports on #HurricaneMichael from Apalachicola, FL where a river is overflowing its banks and is flooding streets. https://t.co/kPMZ7Pi5tq pic.twitter.com/6I837Qoozt — ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) October 10, 2018

Hurricane Michael’s storm surge moves quickly ashore in Destin, Florida. pic.twitter.com/K4hjC0s1j8 — Lexington Herald-Leader (@heraldleader) October 10, 2018

12:34 PM —

Radar showing winds above 170 mph just off the coast of the Florida Panhandle. This is about 4000’ above the ground. #Michael will go down as one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the United States. pic.twitter.com/KOH9WqONb8 — Chase Thomason (@ChaseThomason) October 10, 2018

12:31 PM — Record-breaking storm surge in Apalachicola:

Storm surge rise in Apalachicola rapid….up to 7.75ft breaking the old record. Rapid rise will continue #flwx pic.twitter.com/uuiJ4ZKTct — Jeff Lindner (@JeffLindner1) October 10, 2018

12:30 PM —

Update: Strong winds in Panama City Beach with western eye wall of compact eye of Category 4 Hurricane #Michael approaching. Stay tuned to @accuweather pic.twitter.com/9FygDycZjY — Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) October 10, 2018

12:27 PM —

Wind gusts above hurricane force in Apalachicola now, getting close in Panama City. Conditions will quickly go downhill as the eyewall approaches. #HurricaneMichael #fox4kc pic.twitter.com/W1UtGdS8wv — Karli Ritter (@KarliRitter) October 10, 2018

This is the scene in Panama City – wind has sped up considerably in the last hour. #HuricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/URIvSmoWsf — Emily Purser (@EmilyPurser) October 10, 2018

12:24 PM —

WATCH: The core of Category 4 Hurricane Michael is closing in on the Florida Panhandle, with landfall expected imminently; between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. ET, Michael's maximum sustained winds increased from 145 mph to 150 mph. https://t.co/Knz7VOOdME pic.twitter.com/mg0bfHBbnF — CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) October 10, 2018

12:17 PM — Meanwhile, in Apalachicola:

“It’s only getting worse”: Hurricane Michael is already bringing storm surge into Apalachicola, Florida, picking up debris and submerging vehicles, CNN meteorologist @VanDamCNN reports. Latest updates: https://t.co/cLv4Iaguus pic.twitter.com/pYCfNGS9CF — CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) October 10, 2018

12:16 PM — Michael is only 20 miles from Panama City, FL.

"We're getting some very strong bands of wind and rain that are coming through … in Panama City Beach," reports @DianneG as Hurricane Michael approaches. "This is definitely the strongest that I've felt …The raindrops almost feel like little needles … It's so intense." pic.twitter.com/2y6kPV2QHk — CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) October 10, 2018

12:15 PM — 157 mph is the threshold for a Category 5 upgrade.

Tallahassee Doppler radar detecting 168mph winds aloft(55miles from the radar site), approaching Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe. #MICHAEL @boston25 pic.twitter.com/dD0hchdnZZ — Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) October 10, 2018

12:12 PM —

Wind and rain are starting to pick up from Hurricane Michael in Tallahassee. It’s expected to get worse from here on out. pic.twitter.com/onQIaKfy44 — Talal Ansari (@TalalNAnsari) October 10, 2018

12:11 PM —

Wild surf and wind in Apalachicola taken by @TerrellWPLG as the eye of #HurricaneMichael is about to make landfall. https://t.co/BNyjOvnVq2 pic.twitter.com/451n879ug2 — WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) October 10, 2018

12:04 PM —

Winds really kicking up as Hurricane Michael begins to lash Panama City pic.twitter.com/2eFUfGWp2g — David Ovalle (@DavidOvalle305) October 10, 2018

11:55 AM — Latest wire photos via Getty Images.

11:51 AM —

Hurricane #Michael's eyewall is now starting to come ashore near Panama City, Florida, with 150 mph winds. One of the most intense hurricanes ever to hit the U.S. is in the process of making landfall — right now. pic.twitter.com/cVOm0p9hru — Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) October 10, 2018

New construction just collapsed in front of me in Panama City Beach from #hurricanemichael!!! It is going bad fast! pic.twitter.com/CG5R8jcUuf — Marc Weinberg (@MarcWeinbergWX) October 10, 2018

11:47 AM —

Power out for more than 3,000 and climbing in Tallahassee https://t.co/gqsiSoDbAd — Tallahassee Democrat (@TDOnline) October 10, 2018

Observations from coastal stations in Wakulla County indicate that water levels are rapidly rising. The gauge at Spring Creek has risen about 1 ft in the last hour. Additional sharp rises expected through the afternoon. #HurricaneMichael — NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) October 10, 2018

11:42 AM —

Max sustained winds in high-end Cat 4 #Hurricane #Michael have unfortunately continued to intensify, now at 150 MPH! Pressure down to 27.26". (@NOAA GOES-East 30-sec vis imagery) pic.twitter.com/1uEaST17OE — NASA SPoRT (@NASA_SPoRT) October 10, 2018

11:40 AM — Street view of Panama City Beach.

Update: northeasterly winds increasing dramatically in Panama City Beach, FL. Going mobile. Stay tuned to @accuweather for our live updates as the eye of Category 4 Hurricane #Michael approaches pic.twitter.com/ZAHlHFnTdM — Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) October 10, 2018

11:39 AM — Amateur video of a transformer blowing in Tallahassee.

When your neighborhood looks like the opening scene of a disaster movie. #MichaelTLH pic.twitter.com/YIvVFpnQKG — Carlin! (@nerdlunch) October 10, 2018

11:36 AM —

It’s starting to get pretty bad in Panama City Beach. It will only get worse in the next few hours. #11Alive pic.twitter.com/lBgccANlP3 — Ryan Kruger (@Ryan11Alive) October 10, 2018

Panama City Resort, a three story motel, right next to Tidewater Resort on west end of Panama City Beach near Lullwater Drive and Front Beach Road is battling the elements. Picture from Sandman. Only going to get worse through early afternoon. pic.twitter.com/Qszily5Nkz — Tyler Allender WECP (@TylerAllender) October 10, 2018

11:34 AM — Stronger.

BREAKING: @NWSNHC increases winds in #Michael to 150 mph. One of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in the U.S. @WFLA @StormTeam8WFLA pic.twitter.com/TdPGOHjnrq — Ed Bloodsworth (@WFLAEd) October 10, 2018

More than 6 feet of surge already in Apalachicola #HurricaneMichael — Ana Cabrera (@AnaCabrera) October 10, 2018

11:32 AM —

The Panama City Beach manager tells me about 50% of residents have left town — Jeff Glor (@jeffglor) October 10, 2018

11:31 AM —

11:25 AM —

NWS Tallahassee: "We've issued our first ever Extreme Wind Warning. This means wind gusts in excess of 130 mph are expected as #HurricaneMichael makes landfall in the next few hours." — Breaking News (@BreakingNews) October 10, 2018

11:10 AM — Interview with Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum, who says President Trump has put “partisanship” before “leadership” in emergencies like Hurricane Michael.

WATCH: Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum gives update on how #HurricaneMatthew will affect the city, discusses campaign for Governor. pic.twitter.com/tF6bZ1fNnz — MSNBC (@MSNBC) October 10, 2018

11:08 AM —

10:59 AM — Michael is not weakening much as it makes its final approach:

Latest advisory:#HurricaneMichael is still a CAT 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph.

Central pressure is 928 mb and moving towards #PanamaCity. pic.twitter.com/ek2lYlk9R0 — Vanessa Vinent (@WPBF_Vanessa) October 10, 2018

11AM Update on Hurricane Michael. Winds are the same, 145mph, strong CAT 4 storm. Pressure has gone down a little indicating the hurricane will maintain strength into landfall a couple hours from now. pic.twitter.com/toftpVVkCu — Rich Caniglia (@whec_rcaniglia) October 10, 2018

Stunning and terrifying at the same time…hi-res, 3D view of Hurricane #Michael approaching the Florida Panhandle. #FLwx pic.twitter.com/0xfnEVItz0 — Steve Caparotta, Ph.D. (@SteveWAFB) October 10, 2018

10:54 AM — Street view from Tallahassee.

10:49 AM —

Video: Pier in Laguna Beach, Florida, taking a pounding. Hurricane Michael still hours out at sea. New update from NHC out soon: https://t.co/ULJqe6DmLq pic.twitter.com/HWT2QcoogP — WPEC CBS12 News (@CBS12) October 10, 2018

10:32 AM — The latest wire photos on Hurricane Michael:

10:23 AM —

It's been 13 years since this part of the Florida coast has seen a hurricane make landfall. #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/5azT3PjuqZ — Franz Strasser (@franzstrasser) October 10, 2018

The flooding is already beginning in Okaloosa County, Florida, and Hurricane Michael has not even made landfall yet. https://t.co/U2JliVF2bR #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/ORspjoXBvh — David Charns WMTW (@DavidWMTW) October 10, 2018

10:15 AM — The latest videos and photos of Hurricane Michael:

Cameras outside the station captured views of Hurricane Michael at 12:13pm and 12:50pm ET Oct. 9 as the storm churned over the Gulf of Mexico moving northwest at 12 miles an hour. pic.twitter.com/vkiK7xWgMm — Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) October 9, 2018

The storm surge continues to punish the coast here in Panama City Beach. #Hurricane #Michael #HurricaneMichael pic.twitter.com/QDDcWc1Gq3 — Marc Weinberg (@MarcWeinbergWX) October 10, 2018

And the latest wire updates from AP:

National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham is warning that a Category 4 hurricane will bring catastrophic damage to Florida’s Panhandle.

Graham says Michael’s top winds of 145 mph (230 kph) are powerful enough to peel off roofs and cause the “complete destruction of houses.”

Stretches of the coast could see storm surge of at least 6 feet (2 meters), with waters rising in some places up to 14 feet (4 meters) above the ground. Graham wants people to think about how tall they are, and just how high that water can be.

Michael is powerful enough to remain a hurricane well inland as it travels over Georgia on Thursday. Graham says falling trees will pull down utility lines, leaving some areas without power for weeks, and hazardous conditions will persist long after the storm blows through.

He says the aftermath of a hurricane is “not the time to start learning to use that chain saw.”

___

Florida Gov. Rick Scott says the impact of Hurricane Michael will be “horrible,” the worst storm to hit the Panhandle in a century.

Scott said Wednesday he’s “scared to death” that people in places such as St. George Island along the state’s coast had ignored evacuation orders.

He said he hopes that no one kept children with them as they chose to ride it out, but the time to evacuate from coastal areas has “come and gone.”

The governor said state authorities are now focusing on the recovery effort once the fast-moving storm blows through. He has activated up 3,500 members of the Florida National Guard and says thousands of utility workers are on stand-by.

___

Huge waves are pounding the shore at Panama City Beach, where officials have announced they are now unable to respond to any calls for service. Just inland in Panama City, the fire department says it will respond to only life-threatening emergencies and only within the city limits.

The biggest waves are shooting frothy green water between homes and up to the base of wooden stairs over the dunes and the skies appear menacing as tropical-storm-force winds lash the coast. Landfall is expected about midday Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.