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Hurricane Michael: 'Monstrous' storm strengthens to category two Hurricane Michael: 'Monstrous' storm strengthens to category three
(about 3 hours later)
Hurricane Michael has strengthened to a category two storm, with winds topping 100mph (155km/h) as it churns towards the Florida coast. Hurricane Michael has strengthened to a category three storm, with winds near 120mph (193km/h) as it churns towards the Florida coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) says.
The storm is expected to reach category three before making landfall on Wednesday. Florida Governor Rick Scott has warned residents to evacuate. The storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday. Florida Governor Rick Scott has warned residents to evacuate.
Alabama, Florida and Georgia have declared states of emergency in all or parts of the states.Alabama, Florida and Georgia have declared states of emergency in all or parts of the states.
At least 13 people have reportedly died in Central America due to the storm.At least 13 people have reportedly died in Central America due to the storm.
Governor Scott called for coastal residents to evacuate, saying: "It could be the difference between life and death."Governor Scott called for coastal residents to evacuate, saying: "It could be the difference between life and death."
Alabama is under a statewide state of emergency ahead of the hurricane, along with 92 counties in southern Georgia and 35 counties in Florida.Alabama is under a statewide state of emergency ahead of the hurricane, along with 92 counties in southern Georgia and 35 counties in Florida.
Forecasters say some regions of the US may see 12in (30cm) of rain, and storm surges of up to 12ft (3.6m).Forecasters say some regions of the US may see 12in (30cm) of rain, and storm surges of up to 12ft (3.6m).
The governor called Michael "a monstrous storm" and urged residents to listen to officials. "Michael is forecast to be a major hurricane at landfall in Florida," the NHC says, adding that "weakening is expected after landfall".
The Florida governor called Michael "a monstrous storm" and urged residents to listen to officials.
It is expected to quickly travel up the US East Coast after making landfall on the Gulf Coast.It is expected to quickly travel up the US East Coast after making landfall on the Gulf Coast.
Heavy rains are forecast for the Carolinas, which were drenched by Hurricane Florence last month.Heavy rains are forecast for the Carolinas, which were drenched by Hurricane Florence last month.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper told residents: "I know people are fatigued from Florence, but don't let this storm catch you with your guard down."North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper told residents: "I know people are fatigued from Florence, but don't let this storm catch you with your guard down."
The US National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, warned on Tuesday that warm waters will probably further strengthen Michael before it makes landfall. More than 300 miles of coastline are currently under threat, the National Weather Service has said.
Over 300 miles of coastline are currently under threat, the National Weather Service has said.
The agency warned residents in Florida and Alabama of possible storm surges, high winds and flash flooding.The agency warned residents in Florida and Alabama of possible storm surges, high winds and flash flooding.
Forecasters in Alabama warned of possible tornados.Forecasters in Alabama warned of possible tornados.
President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday: "We are very well prepared for the incoming hurricane."President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday: "We are very well prepared for the incoming hurricane."
Governor Scott warned in a news conference that Hurricane Michael is a "massive storm that could bring total devastation to parts of our state, especially in the panhandle".Governor Scott warned in a news conference that Hurricane Michael is a "massive storm that could bring total devastation to parts of our state, especially in the panhandle".
He added that it is predicted to be "the most destructive storm to hit the Florida panhandle in decades".He added that it is predicted to be "the most destructive storm to hit the Florida panhandle in decades".
Some 120,000 people have been warned to evacuate along Florida's coast, where schools and state offices are to remain shut this week.Some 120,000 people have been warned to evacuate along Florida's coast, where schools and state offices are to remain shut this week.
Gov Scott warned that he may order more evacuations due to the size of the potential storm surge.Gov Scott warned that he may order more evacuations due to the size of the potential storm surge.
"No one's going to survive" such a wall of water, he said."No one's going to survive" such a wall of water, he said.
On Tuesday, Gov Scott said he activated 2,500 Florida National Guard troops in preparation for the storm.On Tuesday, Gov Scott said he activated 2,500 Florida National Guard troops in preparation for the storm.
The neighbouring states of Alabama and Georgia have also declared a state of emergency.The neighbouring states of Alabama and Georgia have also declared a state of emergency.
Where has Hurricane Michael hit so far?Where has Hurricane Michael hit so far?
The storm caused widespread destruction in Central America over the weekend, where at least 13 people have been reported dead.The storm caused widespread destruction in Central America over the weekend, where at least 13 people have been reported dead.
According to the Associated Press, six people were killed in Honduras, four in Nicaragua and three in El Salvador.According to the Associated Press, six people were killed in Honduras, four in Nicaragua and three in El Salvador.
Images on social media showed evacuating families wading through water to get to safety.Images on social media showed evacuating families wading through water to get to safety.
Parts of western Cuba, which was hit by the storm on Monday, were forecast to receive up to a foot of rain.Parts of western Cuba, which was hit by the storm on Monday, were forecast to receive up to a foot of rain.
Offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico have evacuated workers, halting nearly a fifth of daily production.Offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico have evacuated workers, halting nearly a fifth of daily production.
Five drilling rigs have been moved out of the storm's path, according to the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.Five drilling rigs have been moved out of the storm's path, according to the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.