Hurricane Michael is now a major Category 3 hurricane as it barrels toward the northeastern Gulf Coast. It’s expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds and heavy rain.

In its 11 p.m. update, the National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Michael’s winds are blowing at 125 mph, making it a Category 3 storm.

Hurricane Michael is about 220 miles south of Panama City and about 200 miles south-southwest of Apalachicola. Michael is moving north at 12 mph. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles. Tropical force winds extend outward up to 175 miles.

The center of Michael will continue to move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico later Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, Michael is going to head into very favorable conditions to strengthen,” said Storm Team 8 Meteorologist Leigh Spann. “Michael is expected to make landfall Wednesday afternoon as a major hurricane.”

Michael is expected to move inland over the Florida Panhandle or Florida Big Bend area on Wednesday, and then move northeastward across the southeastern United States Wednesday night and Thursday.

The threat for tornadoes will increase late tonight into Wednesday over parts of the Florida Panhandle, the northern Florida Peninsula, and southern Georgia.

Storm surge and hurricane warnings are in effect for the northeastern Gulf Coast as Hurricane Michael moves through the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Effects from the storm could be noticeable in the Tampa Bay area. Parts of the Tampa Bay area are under a Tropical Storm Watch and a Storm Surge Watch.

Governor Rick Scott is warning all Floridians to get ready as Michael approaches. He declared a State of Emergency in 35 counties. Learn more here.

HERE’S A SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for:

  • Okaloosa/Walton County Line Florida to Anclote River Florida

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for:

  • Anclote River Florida to Anna Maria Island Florida, includingTampa Bay
  • Alabama/Florida border to Okaloosa/Walton County Line Florida

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

  • Alabama/Florida border to Suwannee River Florida

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

  • Alabama/Florida border to the Mississippi/Alabama border
  • Suwanee River Florida to Chassahowitzka Florida

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:

  • Chassahowitzka to Anna Maria Island Florida, including Tampa Bay
  • Mississippi/Alabama border to the Mouth of the Pearl River
  • Fernandina Beach Florida to South Santee River South Carolina

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