Hurricane Michael: 'We are with you Florida' Trump pledges support as Cat 4 storm looms
PRESIDENT Donald Trump has pledged his support to the people of Florida as the massive Category 4 Hurricane Michael closes in on the Sunshine State.
Hurricane Michael: President Trump receives FEMA briefing
The US leader said he would probably travel to places hit by the storm on Sunday or Monday once the area is safe.
Tweeting an animation of the massive hurricane churning towards the Florida Panhandle, Mr Trump said: “We are with you Florida!”
He also retweeted a picture from the Florida National Guard showing reservist troops on the streets with the caption: “#HurricaneMichael is here, but so are we. Stay safe, Florida.”
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Mr Trump said he would likely visit the area hit by Michael early next week after the storm has passed.
We are with you Florida!
The US President has declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Florida, freeing up federal assistance to boost state and local disaster responses.
Michael is still strengthening as it barrels towards the northwest coast of Florida, with experts warning the “very dangerous” storm is producing fierce 150mph winds.
Experts predict Hurricane Michael could be the worst hurricane to hit the region since records began in 1851.
The storm is now just 20 miles south of Panama City, Florida, the National Hurricane Center said and is forecast to make landfall this afternoon.
Hundreds of thousands of people in coastal areas had been urged to evacuate ahead of major flooding which is expected to hammer low-lying areas.
But authorities are now warning any remaining residents they are out of time and should seek refuge wherever they are.
Officials have warned one of the biggest dangers posed by Hurricane Michael is the storm surge which could drive sea water levels as high as 14 feet (4.3 metres) above normal in some areas.
Meanwhile, hurricane-force winds and torrential rainfall are expected to wreak “major infrastructure damage”.
Hurricane Michael RAGES through Panama City in Florida
Jeff Byard, associate administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said the region should brace for power outages and disruption to wastewater treatment systems.
Hurricane Michael caught some forecasters off guard as it rapidly gained strength from a tropical storm just 40 hours ago.
Andrew Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee, said: “This kind of sprung up for us quite quickly.
"We honestly felt we might have a tropical system and weren't sure where it would go and now we're staring down the barrel of a Category 4 storm.”
Hurricane center Director Ken Graham said on Facebook that Michael would be the worst storm in recorded history to hit the Florida Panhandle.
He said: ”Going back through records to 1851 we can't find another Cat 4 in this area, so this is unfortunately a historical and incredibly dangerous and life-threatening situation.”