hurricane Michael

{{storm path|Michael 2018 path.png|left|350px|colors=new|note={{refn|group=nb|name=Track|The position of Michael's Category 5 peak is not depicted in this graphic as it is an asynoptic point (i.e. not at the 6-hour intervals of all other points) occurring at 17:30 UTC October 10.}}}}

A large area of disturbed weather spawned over the mid-to-western Caribbean Sea around October 1–2, and absorbed the remnants of Tropical Storm Kirk.{{cite report |last1=Beven |first1=John |last2=Berg |first2=Robbie |last3=Hagen |first3=Andrew |title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL142018_Michael.pdf |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 17, 2020 |date=May 17, 2019 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729102708/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL142018_Michael.pdf |url-status=live }} The National Hurricane Center (NHC) anticipated on October 2 that strong upper-level winds would prevent any significant development of the system for at least a couple of days.{{cite report |last1=Stewart |first1=Stacy |title=Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook [200 AM EDT Tue Oct 2 2018] |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=201810020852&basin=atl&fdays=5 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 17, 2020 |date=October 2, 2018 |series=NHC Graphical Outlook Archive |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305130114/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=201810020852&basin=atl&fdays=5 |url-status=live }} On the same day, a tropical wave{{snd}} an elongated trough of low air pressure{{snd}} tracked into the area. This possibly led to an increase in thunderstorm activity which in turn gave rise to a surface low southwest of Jamaica on October 3. Although the low was initially predicted to travel northward,{{cite report |last1=Avila |first1=Lixion |title=Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook [800 PM EDT Tue Oct 2 2018] |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=201810030234&basin=atl&fdays=5 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 17, 2020 |date=October 3, 2018 |series=NHC Graphical Outlook Archive |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819223423/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=201810030234&basin=atl&fdays=5 |url-status=live }} it instead tracked west-southwestward and moved ashore in northeastern Honduras on October 4. The low became incorporated into a broad cyclonic gyre which was located over Central America by October 5. A center which was located over the eastern Pacific moved across Central America on October 6 and integrated into the gyre. The gyre's center reformed over the northwestern Caribbean Sea on the same day.

Due to the imminent threat that the system posed to land, the NHC began issuing advisories on it as Potential Tropical Cyclone Fourteen around 21:00 UTC on October 6. Meanwhile, an upper-level trough located over the Gulf of Mexico was imparting vertical wind shear over the system. Despite this, the system's convection or thunderstorm activity, as well as its circulation, were improving in organization on both satellite imagery and in surface observations.{{cite report |last1=Beven |first1=Jack |title=Potential Tropical Cyclone Fourteen Discussion Number 1 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.001.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 17, 2020 |date=October 6, 2018 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305140008/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.001.shtml |url-status=live }} The disturbance tracked generally northward within the southerly flow between a subtropical ridge which was located over the western Atlantic Ocean and a mid-latitude trough that was traveling eastward across the United States.{{cite report |last1=Avila |first1=Lixion |title=Potential Tropical Cyclone Fourteen Discussion Number 2 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.002.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 18, 2020 |date=October 7, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708200659/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.002.shtml |url-status=live }} A tropical depression spawned around 06:00 UTC on October 7, approximately {{convert|150|mi|km|abbr=on}} south of Cozumel, Mexico. Around that time, Belizean radar showed that convection was forming just northeast of the depression's low-level center. The nascent depression was located in an environment of strong wind shear and warm {{convert|28–30|C|F|abbr=on|order=flip}} sea surface temperatures.{{cite report |last1=Berg |first1=Robbie |title=Tropical Depression Fourteen Discussion Number 3 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.003.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 18, 2020 |date=October 7, 2018 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305115518/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.003.shtml |url-status=live }} Around 12:00 UTC, the depression intensified into a tropical storm, receiving the name Michael. During the next six hours, the center of the storm relocated to the northeast as a result of flaring convection in that region. The system proceeded to travel slightly east of north as it rounded the western periphery of a mid-level ridge that was located over the western Atlantic.

File:Hurricane Michael making landfall on Florida on October 10, 2018.gif

After becoming a tropical storm, Michael began a period of rapid intensification. Initially, the NHC had predicted Michael to reach a peak intensity of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} as wind shear was expected to persist for at least two days, however, Michael became significantly stronger by the time it made landfall, reaching Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Two factors may have helped to facilitate the cyclone's intensification; the first was diffluence or streamline divergence{{snd}}the elongating of a fluid body normal to the flow{{snd}} originating from an upper-level trough that was counteracting the wind shear. The second factor was that Michael's outflow entered another upper-level trough that was located east of the storm. A WC-130 aircraft from the United States Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron discovered that Michael had been quickly intensifying as it surveyed the tropical cyclone in the afternoon and evening of October 7, measuring peak stepped frequency microwave radiometer (SFMR) winds between {{convert|45|and|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} during its mission.{{cite report |last1=Brown |first1=Daniel |title=Tropical Storm Michael Discussion Number 5 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.005.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 18, 2020 |date=October 7, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708171305/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.005.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite report |last1=Stewart |first1=Stacy |title=Tropical Storm Michael Discussion Number 6 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.006.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 18, 2020 |date=October 8, 2018 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305131334/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.006.shtml |url-status=live }} Although Michael had strengthened to {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} by 00:00 UTC on October 8, most of the storm's convection remained displaced to its eastern side as a result of the wind shear. Microwave imagery, however, showed that the core of Michael had improved, with one banding feature curving around most of the storm.

The tropical storm continued to organize, with convection and outflow increasing in the western half of the system.{{cite report |last1=Berg |first1=Robbie |title=Tropical Storm Michael Discussion Number 7 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.007.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 18, 2020 |date=October 8, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114085728/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.007.shtml |url-status=live }} Michael became a Category 1 hurricane around 12:00 UTC on October 8. An eye was beginning to appear in satellite imagery around the same time.{{cite report |last1=Daniel |first1=Brown |title=Hurricane Michael Discussion Number 8 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.008.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 18, 2020 |date=October 8, 2018 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305125047/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.008.shtml |url-status=live }} Around 18:30 UTC on October 8, Michael reached its initial peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} as it tracked just west of Cabo del San Antonio, Cuba. But overnight, Michael's eyewall began to degrade due to a cold water eddy, dry air incursion, and wind shear, signaling that the rapid intensification had ceased.{{cite report |last1=Beven |first1=Jack |title=Hurricane Michael Discussion Number 11 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.011.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 18, 2020 |date=October 9, 2018 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806040257/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.011.shtml |url-status=live }} Shortly after, the hurricane's banding features began to improve as the system was located over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. By 12:00 UTC on October 9, Michael had begun to rapidly intensify once more; its eye had become better defined and outflow improved as the westerly shear decreased.{{cite report |last1=Brown |first1=Daniel |title=Hurricane Michael Discussion Number 12 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.012.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 18, 2020 |date=October 9, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708184519/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.012.shtml |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, the hurricane was tracking north-northwest due to a mid-level ridge. The tropical cyclone strengthened into a Category 3 major hurricane{{#tag:ref|A major hurricane is one that ranks at Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale.{{cite web |title=Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=June 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620093804/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php |archive-date=June 20, 2020 |url-status=live }}|group="nb"}} by 18:00 UTC as cold convection developed over the eastern and southeastern regions of the storm and wrapped around its eyewall.{{cite report |last1=Brown |first1=Daniel |title=Hurricane Michael Discussion Number 13 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.013.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=October 9, 2018 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305131214/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.013.shtml |url-status=live }} Cloud temperatures decreased to {{convert|-75|C|F|order=flip|abbr=on}} in the central dense overcast and were as low as {{convert|-88|C|F|abbr=on|order=flip}} in the eyewall.{{cite report |last1=Stewart |first1=Stacy |title=Hurricane Michael Discussion Number 14 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.014.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=October 10, 2018 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305132956/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.014.shtml |url-status=live }}

Michael resumed a northward trek early on October 10 as it traveled between the ridge and a mid-latitude shortwave trough. Outflow generated by the trough may have hastened Michael's rapid intensification until landfall. The outer rainbands of Michael began to move ashore around 10:00 UTC, and the cyclone's eye continued to warm as it approached the Florida Panhandle, however, radar imagery showed a secondary eyewall was beginning to form.{{cite report |last1=Beven |first1=Jack |title=Hurricane Michael Tropical Cyclone Update |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.update.10100956.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=September 12, 2020 |date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite report |last1=Brown |first1=Daniel |title=Hurricane Michael Discussion Number 16 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.016.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=October 10, 2018 |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819223446/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.016.shtml |url-status=live }} The hurricane's direction shifted to the northeast under the influence of the westerlies. Michael reached its peak intensity as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|160|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a minimum central pressure of {{convert|919|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} around 17:30 UTC on October 10, as it made landfall near Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. Operationally, the NHC had reported Michael's landfall intensity as {{convert|155|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} based on flight-level winds of {{convert|175|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and SFMR readings between {{convert|152|and|159|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite report |last1=Brown |first1=Daniel |title=Hurricane Michael Discussion Number 17 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.017.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=October 10, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708182417/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.017.shtml |url-status=live }} However, some data from the SFMR instrument was missing and had to be reconstructed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Aircraft Operation Center. This data yielded a peak SFMR value of {{convert|175|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} for the time that the reconnaissance aircraft surveyed the southern eyewall. Additionally, doppler weather radar from Eglin Air Force Base estimated peak winds of {{convert|178|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} at 17:22 UTC, around the same location as the aircraft. The radar displayed that stronger winds existed northeast of the aircraft, outside its field of observation.

File:Michael 2018-10-13 1415Z.jpg

After moving ashore, Michael quickly became less intense; by 21:30 UTC on October 10, just four hours after landfall, Michael had weakened below Category 3 status before moving into southwestern Georgia. Around that time, the hurricane was continuing to track northeast under the influence of the westerlies. Doppler radar displayed that Michael had continued to degrade, with the storm weakening into a high-end Category 1 hurricane by 00:00 UTC. At that time, the peak winds were confined to a region of convection near Michael's low-level center.{{cite report |last1=Stewart |first1=Stacy |title=Hurricane Michael Discussion Number 18 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.018.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=October 11, 2018 |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819223424/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.018.shtml |url-status=live }} Six hours later, Michael fell to tropical storm intensity, with only a small zone of storm-force winds existing near its center. Most of the peak winds were displaced to the southeast, over the Atlantic Ocean.{{cite report |last1=Beven |first1=Jack |title=Tropical Storm Michael Discussion Number 19 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.019.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=October 11, 2018 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710045046/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.019.shtml |url-status=live }} The storm entered South Carolina around 15:00 UTC on October 11. By that time, all of the gale-force winds associated with Michael were occurring over the Atlantic Ocean and along the shoreline.

As Michael entered North Carolina late on October 11, it began to transition into an extratropical cyclone. Cold, dry air entrained into the storm's circulation. Winds increased northwest of the storm's elongating center, over the states of North Carolina and Virginia.{{cite report |last1=Brown |first1=Daniel |title=Tropical Storm Michael Discussion Number 21 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.021.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=October 11, 2018 |archive-date=October 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214454/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.021.shtml |url-status=live }} Michael became fully extratropical by 00:00 UTC on October 12 as it traveled east-northeastward, just north of Raleigh, North Carolina. Around that time, another low-level center with a lower pressure had formed farther north, near Chesapeake Bay, as baroclinic processes began to restrengthen the former hurricane.{{cite report |last1=Berg |first1=Robbie |title=Tropical Storm Michael Discussion Number 22 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.022.shtml? |publisher=National Hurricane Center |access-date=August 19, 2020 |date=October 12, 2018 |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819223424/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/al14/al142018.discus.022.shtml |url-status=live }} The extratropical cyclone emerged into the Atlantic around 06:00 UTC after passing near Norfolk, Virginia. Michael obtained hurricane-force winds on October 13 while in the Atlantic waters south of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. It quickly traveled to the northeastern Atlantic by October 14. The cyclone turned sharply southeastward and later southward around the northeastern edge of the ridge, weakening slightly, as it approached the Iberian Peninsula. Michael's remnant low dissipated by 00:00 UTC on October 16, while it was located just west of northern Portugal. On the same day, Michael's extratropical remnant absorbed the remnants of Hurricane Leslie, which were situated to the east of Michael, following a brief Fujiwhara interaction; Michael's remnants subsequently dissipated shortly afterward.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/when-michael-met-leslie-ex-hurricanes-dance-merge-over-spain|title=When Michael met Leslie: Ex-hurricanes dance, merge over Spain|first1=Daniel|last1=Chaitin|publisher=Washington Examiner|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=June 3, 2019|archive-date=June 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603063215/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/when-michael-met-leslie-ex-hurricanes-dance-merge-over-spain|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Cappucci |first1=Matthew |title=Zombie storm Leslie slammed Portugal, France and Spain with unusual strength |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2018/10/16/zombie-storm-leslie-slammed-portugal-france-spain-with-unusual-strength/ |access-date=October 16, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 16, 2018}}{{cite map|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20181015.gif|title=Europe Weather Analysis on 2018-10-15|publisher=Free University of Berlin|date=October 15, 2018|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-date=January 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124003238/http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20181015.gif|url-status=live}}{{cite map|url=http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20181016.gif|title=Europe Weather Analysis on 2018-10-16|publisher=Free University of Berlin|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=October 16, 2018|archive-date=January 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124003238/http://www.met.fu-berlin.de/de/wetter/maps/Analyse_20181016.gif|url-status=live}}

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In the province of Pinar del Río, 300 people were evacuated to the homes of neighbors or relatives. In the province of Artemisa, particularly in the areas of Playa de Majana and the towns of Cajio and Guanimar, which are prone to coastal flooding, evacuations were carried out, but the number of evacuees were unknown. A national response plan was carried out and alert as well as evacuation phases were being fulfilled as well. In western Cuba, a hurricane warning was issued 10 hours before the center passed over Cabo del San Antonio. Tropical storm warnings were also issued for western Cuba, but it was noted that there were a lack of watches issued by the NHC which was blamed on poor intensity forecasts which depicted Michael becoming a hurricane after passing over the island.{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/cuba/americas-weather-events-information-bulletin-n-1|title=Americas: Weather Events Information Bulletin N° 1|website=reliefweb|publisher=OCHA|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2021}}

File:Florida National Guard (44297658455).jpg, on October 9|alt=Photograph of members of the Florida National Guard]]

Roughly 375,000 people across 22 Florida counties in the Florida Panhandle and north-central Florida were under orders or recommendations to evacuate.{{cite web |last1=Reeves |first1=Jay |last2=Farrington |first2=Brendan |title=Hurricane Michael makes landfall as a Category 4 storm |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/strengthening-overnight-hurricane-michael-closes-in-on-florida |publisher=PBS |access-date=November 23, 2022 |date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Farrington |first1=Brendan |last2=Lush |first2=Tamara |title=Major Hurricane Michael bearing down on Florida Panhandle |url=https://apnews.com/article/hurricanes-storms-fl-state-wire-evacuations-north-america-d577c498214f462aa37b98a136c45505 |access-date=November 23, 2022 |work=Associated Press News |date=October 9, 2018}} Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for parts of several Florida counties, including communities such as Panama City Beach and covering over 180,000 residents.{{cite news |last1=Haddad |first1=Ken |title=List of mandatory evacuation zones in Florida ahead of Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/weather/2018/10/10/list-of-mandatory-evacuation-zones-in-florida-ahead-of-hurricane-michael/ |access-date=October 10, 2018 |publisher=ClickOnDetroit.com |date=October 10, 2018 |location=Detroit, Michigan}} A survey of 1,523 people in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida later found that 61 percent of survey respondents did not evacuate, and that 80 percent of respondents underestimated the hurricane or the potential scope of its effects.{{cite journal |last1=Senkbeil |first1=Jason |last2=Myers |first2=Laura |last3=Jasko |first3=Susan |last4=Reed |first4=Jacob |last5=Mueller |first5=Rebecca |title=Communication and Hazard Perception Lessons from Category Five Hurricane Michael |journal=Atmosphere |date=July 30, 2020 |volume=11 |issue=8 |pages=804 |doi=10.3390/atmos11080804 |publisher=MDPI|bibcode=2020Atmos..11..804S |doi-access=free }} On October 7, 2018, Florida governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency and activated 500 members of the Florida National Guard, with another 5,000 members placed on standby.{{cite news |last=Burlew |first=Jeff |date=October 7, 2018 |title=Tropical Storm Michael forms; Florida officials to declare state of emergency |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/10/07/gov-rick-scott-declares-emergency-north-florida-ahead-storm/1558120002/ |access-date=February 2, 2025 |newspaper=Tallahassee Democrat}} Non-mission essential personnel and aircraft were evacuated from Tyndall Air Force Base; aircraft were also moved out of Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base. Schools closed their campuses during the hurricane's passage, including Florida A&M University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee Community College.{{cite news |last1=MacFarlane |first1=Drew |title=Florida Gov. Scott: Michael Could Bring 'Total Devastation'; Mandatory Evacuations Ordered Along Panhandle |url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-10-07-florida-hurricane-emergency |access-date=November 23, 2022 |work=The Weather Channel |date=October 9, 2018}} The Apalachicola National Forest and Congaree National Park closed for safety reasons.{{cite news |title=Congaree National Park closing until further notice due to incoming storms |url=https://www.coladaily.com/lifestyle/congaree-national-park-closing-until-further-notice-due-to-incoming-storms/article_0ea30019-cb1d-5728-9573-db759f95e9df.html |access-date=October 14, 2024 |publisher=Cola Daily |date=October 9, 2018}}{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2018 |title=National Forests in Florida - News and Events |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/florida/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD599165 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=United States Forest Service}} Energy companies paused offshore oil production equivalent to about 324,190 barrels per day, accounting for around a fifth of oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. Offshore natural gas extraction was also halted, accounting for about 284 million ft³ (8 million m³) of natural gas per day. Staff on thirteen offshore platforms were evacuated.{{cite news |last1=McWilliams |first1=Gary |last2=Hampton |first2=Liz |title=Gulf of Mexico offshore platforms evacuated ahead of hurricane |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-storm-michael-energy/exxon-mobil-bp-pull-staff-from-gulf-ahead-of-hurricane-michael-idUSKCN1MI1LH |access-date=November 23, 2022 |work=Reuters |date=October 8, 2018}}

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for 92 counties in the southern and central portions of the state on October 9. Several colleges and universities in south Georgia were to close for a few days.{{cite news |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/south-georgia-college-campuses-closing-preparation-hurricane-michael/x8M4wEJqF3XfFCRtfg25EK/ |title=South Georgia college campuses closing in preparation of Hurricane Michael |first=Eric |last=Strigus |date=October 9, 2018 |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=October 9, 2018}} Atlanta Motor Speedway opened their campgrounds free of charge to evacuees of Hurricane Michael.{{cite web|last=Mines|first=Adam|title=Atlanta Motor Speedway opening camping facilities for Hurricane Michael evacuees|publisher=WGXA|location=Macon, GA|date=October 9, 2018|url=https://wgxa.tv/news/local/atlanta-motor-speedway-opening-camping-facilities-to-evacuees-ahead-of-hurricane-michael|access-date=August 30, 2019}}

375,000 people were asked to evacuate as the storm strengthened, with sustained winds of {{convert|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and storm surge up to {{convert|14|ft|abbr=on}} expected.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-michael-live-updates-florida-latest-path-flooding-alabama-evacuation-category-rain-wind-a8576726.html|title=Hurricane Michael - LIVE: Tropical cyclone on path for Florida hits Category 4 with 130mph winds|work=The Independent|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 10, 2018}} Emergency Preparedness organizations like Direct Relief provided emergency medical packs throughout ten health facilities that were in Michael's path.{{Cite web|url=https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/hurricane-michael/|title=Hurricane Michael|date=October 10, 2018|website=Direct Relief|language=en-US|access-date=May 24, 2019}}

The combined effects of the precursor low to Michael and a disturbance over the Pacific Ocean caused significant flooding across Central America. At least 15 fatalities occurred: eight in Honduras,{{cite news|language=es|newspaper=El Nuevo Diario|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 12, 2018|title=Sube a ocho el número de muertos por las lluvias en Honduras|url=https://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/internacionales/centroamerica/476784-muertos-lluvias-honduras-inundaciones-evacuados/|archive-date=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014358/https://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/internacionales/centroamerica/476784-muertos-lluvias-honduras-inundaciones-evacuados/|url-status=dead}} 4 in Nicaragua, and 3 in El Salvador.{{cite news |language=es |date=October 7, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2018 |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20181007/452221734185/al-menos-9-muertos-y-miles-de-afectados-por-un-temporal-en-centroamerica.html |title=Al menos 9 muertos y miles de afectados por un temporal en Centroamérica |work=La Vanguardia}} In Honduras, torrential rain caused at least seven rivers to overtop their banks; nine communities became isolated. Heavy rains from Hurricane Michael forced hundreds of people from their homes in Honduras over the weekend as the intensifying storm continued its push towards the Gulf Coast. On October 7, the Permanent Commission of Contingencies said more than 260 homes were damaged in the southern part of the country. Some 6,000 people were impacted by flooding and landslides, according to the Associated Press. During a press conference earlier that day, Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández said at least 18 people were rescued during the storm. The storm forced the closure of schools nationwide on October 8.{{cite web|url=https://weather.com/news/news/2018-10-08-michael-tropical-storm-central-america-honduras|title=Hurricane Michael Brings Flooding Rains to Central America, Forcing Evacuations in Honduras|website=weather.com|author=Pam Wright|publisher=The Weather Company|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2021}} More than 1,000 homes sustained damage, of which 9 were destroyed, affecting more than 15,000 people. Nationwide, 78 shelters housed displaced persons and relief agencies procured 36 tonnes of aid. Nearly 2,000 homes in Nicaragua suffered damage, and 1,115 people were evacuated. A total of 253 homes were damaged in El Salvador.{{cite news |language=es |newspaper=Confidencial |date=October 6, 2018 |access-date=October 7, 2018 |title= Tres muertos y más de 1900 viviendas afectadas por lluvias |url=https://confidencial.com.ni/lluvias-inundan-mas-de-380-viviendas-en-nicaragua/}} Damage across the region exceeded $100 million. Images circulated over social media depicting families wading through thigh-high water, rivers rushing onto streets and roads to communities cut off by mudslides. Local media in Honduras recorded several deaths. Homes in Honduras that were built close to waterways or wedged precariously on hillslides were vulnerable to being washed away by rain, and as a result, a lot of them were.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}

About 70% of the offshore Isla de la Juventud lost power.{{cite news|title=Michael se aleja de Cuba tras dejar daños en el occidente|language=es|date=October 8, 2018|first=Benjamín|last=Morales|url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/corresponsalias/cuba/nota/losefectosdelhuracanmichaelsedejansentirencuba-2451802/|access-date=October 10, 2018|work=El Nuevo Día}} On the southern coast of the island, La Coloma was inundated by storm surge, sinking ships and flooding homes.{{cite news |last1=Vela |first1=Hatzel |last2=Torres |first2=Andrea |title=Hurricane Michael causes some destruction in western Cuba |url=https://www.local10.com/news/2018/10/09/hurricane-michael-causes-some-destruction-in-western-cuba/ |access-date=April 27, 2020 |work=Local10.com |publisher=WPLG, Inc. |date=October 9, 2018 |location=Pinar del Rio, Cuba}} High winds left more than 200,000 people without power in the province of Pinar del Río, accounting for 90% of the province.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Michael brings floods, surges, destruction to western Cuba |url=http://www.radiohc.cu/en/noticias/nacionales/173485-hurricane-michael-brings-floods-surges-destruction-to-western-cuba |access-date=April 27, 2020 |publisher=Radio Havana Cuba |date=October 9, 2018 |location=Havana, Cuba}} Officials sent 500 power workers to the area to restore electricity.{{cite news|title=Huracán Michael deja daños significativos en Cuba|language=es|date=October 10, 2018|url=https://conexioncapital.co/huracan-michael-danos-en-cuba/|access-date=October 10, 2018|publisher=Conexión Capital|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011013613/https://conexioncapital.co/huracan-michael-danos-en-cuba/|url-status=dead}} Widespread damage was inflicted on tobacco crops, leading to the complete loss of 18,000 seedbeds of tobacco in the province; the hurricane struck Cuba coincident with the start of the sowing season for tobacco on October 10. More than {{convert|600|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of rice were also damaged by Michael's rainfall. At least 694 homes in Cuba were damaged by the hurricane, including 300 in Sandino.{{cite news |title=Empieza la recuperación de zonas dañadas por el paso del huracán Michael en Cuba |url=https://www.cibercuba.com/noticias/2018-10-11-u141144-e192519-s27061-cuba-inicia-recuperacion-zonas-danadas-paso-huracan |access-date=April 27, 2020 |publisher=Cibercuba |agency=Agencia EFE |date=October 11, 2018 |language=es}}

{{Strongest U.S. landfalling hurricanes}}

File:Estimated electricity outages caused by Hurricane Michael, October 10-20, 2018 (43676234390).png

{{See also|List of United States tornadoes from August to October 2018#October 10 event}}

According to the Edison Electric Institute, at one point 1.2 million electricity customers were without power in several east coast and southern states.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy/hurricane-michael-leaves-1-2-million-in-the-dark-from-florida-to-virginia|title=Hurricane Michael leaves 1.2 million in the dark from Florida to Virginia|date=October 12, 2018|work=Washington Examiner|access-date=October 15, 2018}} Estimated damage from Michael throughout the United States reached $25 billion.

File:Hurricane Michael at landfall seen from Radar 2018-10-10 1707-1754Z.gif radar site at Eglin Air Force Base|alt=Looping radar animation showing the hurricane]]

The National Centers for Environmental Information estimated that Michael caused $18.4 billion in damage in Florida, primarily incurred by property and infrastructure. The most severe impacts occurred along the Florida coast between Panama City Beach and Cape San Blas,{{cite web |title=Catastrophic Hurricane Michael Strikes Florida Panhandle October 10, 2018 |url=https://www.weather.gov/tae/HurricaneMichael2018 |website=Hurricane Michael 2018 |publisher=National Weather Service Tallahassee, Florida |access-date=March 12, 2020 |location=Tallahassee, Florida}} with catastrophic impacts in the areas around Mexico Beach and Tyndall Air Force Base. Impacts were evident on all types of buildings, though structures built before 2002 fared substantially worse.{{cite report|title=Hurricane Michael: Field Assessment Team 1 (FAT-1) Early Access Reconnaissance Report (EARR) |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/tae/events/20181010_Michael/StEER_EARR.pdf |publisher=Structural Extreme Event Reconnaissance Network|via=National Weather Service Tallahassee, Florida |access-date=March 13, 2020 |location=Tallahassee, Florida |date=October 25, 2018}}{{rp|3}} Mobile homes in the regions affected by Michael were older and smaller than in other parts of the state and experienced significant to catastrophic impacts in the hardest-hit areas.{{cite web |title=Hurricane Michael Storm Damage Assessment |url=https://flhsmv.gov/pdf/dealerservices/mhdamage/hurricanemichael.pdf |publisher=Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |access-date=March 14, 2020 |date=October 2018}} Damage to over 2.8 million acres (1.1 million hectares) of forested land caused an estimated $1.29 billion in damage to the timber industry; 12% of damaged forest area was classified as "catastrophic" by the Florida Forest Service.{{cite report|title=Initial Value Estimate of Altered, Damaged or Destroyed Timber in Florida |url=https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/82204/file/HurricaneMichaelInitialTimberDamageEstimate1.pdf |publisher=Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services |access-date=March 12, 2020 |location=Tallahassee, Florida |date=October 19, 2018}} Around 28 percent of global longleaf pine ecosystems were affected by the hurricane in Florida; near the storm's center, tree mortality was as high as 87.8 percent.{{cite journal |last1=Zampieri |first1=Nicole E. |last2=Pau |first2=Stephanie |last3=Okamoto |first3=Daniel K. |title=The impact of Hurricane Michael on longleaf pine habitats in Florida |journal=Scientific Reports |date=December 2020 |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=8483 |doi=10.1038/s41598-020-65436-9|bibcode=2020NatSR..10.8483Z |doi-access=free |pmid=32439960 |pmc=7242371 }} Damage to various agricultural sectors, chiefly cotton, cattle, and peanuts, amounted to $180 million.{{rp|52}} Only 5-10% of the cotton crop had been harvested at the time of Michael's landfall, resulting in total losses of cotton where Category 3–4 hurricane winds were felt. Losses to the cattle industry stemmed largely from damage to farm infrastructure; an estimated 1,507 cattle ranches and 106,438 head of cattle were within the hurricane-force wind envelope of Michael.{{cite web |last1=Alvarez |first1=Sergio |title=Hurricane Michael's Damage to Florida Agriculture |url=http://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/files/2018/11/FDACA-Hurricane-Michael-Agriculture-Damage-Assessment-Report.pdf |publisher=Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services |access-date=March 14, 2020 |location=Tallahassee, Florida |date=October 30, 2018}} Seven deaths were directly caused by the hurricane's forces, including five drownings due to storm surge and two deaths due to fallen trees; the drownings all involved elderly individuals. There were another 43 deaths indirectly caused by Michael, including those that occurred during the storm's aftermath and those from health complications exacerbated by the hurricane, resulting in 50 deaths total in Florida attributed to Michael.{{rp|10–11}}

Based on post-storm analyses conducted by the National Hurricane Center synthesizing data from several data sources, Michael made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane at Mexico Beach, near Tyndall Air Force Base at 12:30 pm. CDT (17:30 UTC) on October 10. Its maximum sustained winds were estimated to be {{convert|160|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} upon moving ashore, making it the most intense hurricane landfall on record for the Florida Panhandle.{{rp|18}} Michael was the only tropical cyclone known to have struck the Florida Panhandle at stronger than Category 3 intensity, and the first Category 5 hurricane to make landfall anywhere along the U.S. coast since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.{{cite news |last1=Livingston |first1=Ian |title=Hurricane Center reclassifies Michael to Category 5, the first such storm to make landfall since 1992 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2019/04/19/hurricane-center-upgrades-michael-category-first-since-andrew/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 19, 2019 |location=Washington, D.C.}} {{subscription required}}{{rp|6}} Three surface weather stations collected data from Michael's eyewall as it moved onshore; however, they either malfunctioned before the arrival of the storm's strongest winds or were positioned outside the radius of maximum wind, providing incomplete measurements and resulting in maximum values lower than expected from radar and aircraft reconnaissance data. The fastest 1-minute average wind measured by a surface-based anemometer was {{cvt|86|mph|km/h}} at a weather station within Tyndall Air Force Base; the same station recorded a peak wind gust of {{cvt|139|mph|km/h}}. Another station on the base grounds, affixed to a tower, registered a {{cvt|129|mph|km/h}} gust before the tower toppled.{{rp|5–6}} Michael continued to produce hurricane-force wind gusts near its center as it moved across the Florida Panhandle into Georgia; its center traversed the Panhandle in four hours. A {{cvt|102|mph|km/h|adj=on}} gust was documented in Marianna, Florida.{{rp|7}}

The combination of Michael's storm surge and the astronomical tide submerged normally dry areas under {{cvt|9|–|14|ft|m}} of water along the coast between Tyndall Air Force Base and Port St. Joe, Florida. Waves atop the elevated water levels caused additional damage and inundation.{{rp|8}} Maximum inundation depths were further enhanced by St. Joseph Peninsula, which kept the storm surge elevated by preventing surge water from receding into the open gulf.{{cite report|title=Hurricane Michael in Florida|type=Mtigiation Assessment Team Report |url=https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1582559571919-8b4ba5ce4c75d0b4f73c7f69215451f1/901907_FEMA_MAT_Michael_508_02-21-2020_FINAL.pdf |publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency |access-date=March 14, 2020 |location=Washington, D.C. |date=February 2020}}{{rp|1–7}} Storm surge inundation decreased farther west and east of the hurricane's point of landfall; along the Big Bend inundation heights were {{cvt|6|–|9|ft|m}}, and towards Tampa Bay they diminished to {{cvt|2|–|4|ft|m}}. Between Pensacola and Panama City, maximum storm surge inundation was also {{cvt|2|–|4|ft|m}}.{{rp|9}} The highest rainfall total from Michael in Florida occurred at Lynn Haven, where {{cvt|11.62|in|mm}} of rain was measured.{{rp|9–10}} Higher rainfall totals were concentrated in eastern Washington County and western Jackson County; locations in the path of Michael's eyewall received {{cvt|6|–|10|in|mm}} of rain while those in the hurricane's outer rainbands generally recorded {{cvt|1|–|3|in|mm}} of rain.{{rp|1–11}} The impacts of inland flooding were lessened by Michael's quick path through the Florida Panhandle, occurring in localized areas. Power outages affected nearly 400,000 electricity customers in Florida at their greatest extent, representing about 4% of the state.{{cite web |title=Hurricane Michael caused 1.7 million electricity outages in the Southeast United States |url=https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=37332 |website=Today in Energy |publisher=U.S. Energy Information Administration |access-date=March 11, 2020 |location=Washington, D.C. |date=October 22, 2018}} Five counties experienced a complete loss of electrical power.

File:Aerial view of Hurricane Michael's damage in Mexico Beach on October 11, 2018 (181011-G-G0105-1008A).jpg

Catastrophic and widespread damage occurred in Bay County, where Michael made landfall; 45,000 structures were damaged and 1,500 were destroyed throughout the county.{{rp|11}} Two hospitals—Bay Medical Sacred Heart and Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center—suffered significant damage. Approximately {{cvt|19.5|mi|km}} of the {{cvt|41.2|mi|km}} Bay County coastline, which includes Panama City Beach and Mexico Beach, sustained critical beach erosion.{{cite web |title=Hurricane Michael Post-Storm Beach Conditions and Coastal Impact Report |url=https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/Michael_Final_Report_04-2019.pdf |publisher=Florida Department of Environmental Protection |access-date=March 13, 2020 |location=Tallahassee, Florida |date=April 2019}}{{rp|14}} Sensor data and high water marks surveyed by the United States Geological Survey indicated that water inundation at Mexico Beach reached a depth of {{cvt|14|ft|m|abbr=on}} above ground level,{{rp|8}} classifying Michael's surge at Mexico Beach as a 1-in-280 year event.{{rp|15}} Mexico Beach was the community most heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael and experienced both the hurricane's maximum winds and surge;{{cite news |last1=Achenbach |first1=Joel |last2=Begos |first2=Kevin |last3=Samenow |first3=Jason |title=Hurricane Michael is looking even more violent on closer scrutiny |url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20181111/hurricane-michael-is-looking-even-more-violent-on-closer-scrutiny |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=NWFDailyNews.com |publisher=Gannett Co., Inc. |date=November 16, 2018}}{{cite web |title=Hurricane Michael Event Recap Report |url=http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20190329-if-event-recap-michael.pdf |publisher=Aon |access-date=March 13, 2020 |date=March 2019 |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801192328/http://thoughtleadership.aonbenfield.com/Documents/20190329-if-event-recap-michael.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{rp|15}} Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long described the city as "probably ground zero."{{cite news |last1=Brackett |first1=Ron |title=Hurricane Michael Update: Bodies Found on Florida's Mexico Beach; Toll Had Already Reached 13 |url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-10-12-hurricane-michael-impacts-southeast-mid-atlantic |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=weather.com |publisher=The Weather Company |date=October 12, 2018 |location=Atlanta, Georgia}} Of the 1,692 buildings in the city, 1,584 were damaged, and 809 among those were destroyed.{{rp|10–11}} Waves augmented by the elevated waters damaged the second-stories of buildings and carried boats inland.{{cite news |title=Mexico Beach, FL is unrecognizable after Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/mexico-beach-fl-is-unrecognizable-after-hurricane-michael/507-603416678 |access-date=March 14, 2020 |publisher=WKYC-TV |agency=Associated Press |date=October 11, 2018 |location=Cleveland, Ohio}} Along the immediate coast, the combination of surge and extreme winds whittled buildings down to piles of debris and left their concrete slab foundations exposed.{{rp|15}} Those that remained intact were crumpled and contorted or were eventually razed by unattended fires that began during the storm.{{cite news |last1=Sampson |first1=Zachary T. |title=Ground zero: See the damage Hurricane Michael inflicted on Mexico Beach |url=https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane-guide/Ground-zero-See-the-damage-Hurricane-Michael-inflicted-on-Mexico-Beach_172557458/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=October 11, 2018 |location=Tampa, Florida}} Beach houses were severed from their pilings and the city's public pier succumbed to the intense surf.{{cite news |last1=Sullivan|first1=Patricia|last2=Wax-Thibodeaux|first2=Emily|last3=Gowen|first3=Annie|title='It's all gone': Tiny Florida beach town nearly swept away by Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/its-all-gone-tiny-florida-beach-town-nearly-swept-away-by-hurricane-michael/2018/10/12/f1a110c0-ce56-11e8-a3e6-44daa3d35ede_story.html |access-date=March 14, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 12, 2018 |location=Washington, D.C.}} {{subscription required}} Some staircases remained standing without their associated houses. Debris from various razed structures accumulated on US 98,{{rp|15}} whose pavement was partially washed out by Michael.{{cite news |last1=Sampson |first1=Zachary T. |title='We're broken here.' Mexico Beach reels in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane-guide/-We-re-broken-here-Mexico-Beach-reels-in-the-aftermath-of-Hurricane-Michael_172573242/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=October 12, 2018 |location=Tampa, Florida}} The road remained closed for nearly a year before repairs completed.{{cite news |last1=Breaux |first1=Collin |title=U.S. 98 open again in Mexico Beach following Hurricane Michael damage repairs |url=https://www.newsherald.com/news/20191001/us-98-open-again-in-mexico-beach-following-hurricane-michael-damage-repairs |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Panama City News Herald |publisher=Gannett Co., Inc. |date=October 1, 2019 |location=Panama City, Florida}} Boats were broken in half and {{cvt|33|short ton|tonne|adj=on}} rail cars were toppled.{{cite news |last1=O'Donoghue|first1=Gary|title=Hurricane Michael flattens beach town like 'mother of all bombs' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45839343 |access-date=March 14, 2020 |publisher=BBC News |date=October 13, 2018}} It was estimated that as many as 285 residents of the small town may have stayed despite mandatory evacuations. Three drownings occurred in or near Mexico Beach.{{rp|10–11}}

Significant structural damage was wrought to Tyndall Air Force Base.{{cite news |last1=Vanden Brook |first1=Tom |title=Michael blasted Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida – a key to homeland security |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/10/11/hurricane-michael-smashed-tyndall-key-air-base-homeland-defense/1601454002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=USA Today |publisher=Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. |date=October 11, 2018}} Due to the base's location on the left side of Michael's eye, damage there was primarily due to the force of the winds rather than storm surge. Every building was damaged and many were considered a complete loss by the base administration; the base's marina was also destroyed.{{cite news |last1=Martinez |first1=Luis |title='Complete devastation' at Tyndall AFB after direct hit from Michael |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/complete-devastation-tyndall-afb-direct-hit-michael/story?id=58463727 |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=ABC News Internet Ventures |date=October 12, 2018}}{{rp|10–11}}{{rp|16}} Of the damaged buildings, 484 were considered destroyed or beyond repair; $648 million was later allocated in repairs for the remaining structures.{{cite web |last1=Reeves |first1=Magen M. |title=Tyndall one year after Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.tyndall.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1985607/tyndall-one-year-after-hurricane-michael/ |website=Tyndall Air Force Base |publisher=United States Air Force |access-date=March 14, 2020 |location=Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida |date=October 10, 2019}} Vehicles were tossed through parking lots and destroyed, and an McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon used for display were flipped and damaged.{{cite news |title=Tyndall Air Force Base Sustains 'Catastrophic' Damage |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/florida/articles/2018-10-12/tyndall-air-force-base-sustains-catastrophic-damage |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=US News |agency=Associated Press |publisher=U.S. News & World Report L.P. |date=October 12, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Everstine |first1=Brian W. |title=For Many, Rebuilding Tyndall is Personal |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/for-many-rebuilding-tyndall-is-personal/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Air Force Magazine |publisher=Air Force Association |date=November 2, 2018}} Most hangars, including those that housed Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors, were fully unroofed and battered by the strong winds.{{cite news |last1=Achenbach |first1=Joel |last2=Begos |first2=Kevin |last3=Lamothe |first3=Dan |title=Hurricane Michael: Tyndall Air Force Base was in the eye of the storm, and almost every structure was damaged |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/hurricane-michael-tyndall-air-force-base-was-in-the-eye-of-the-storm-and-almost-every-structure-was-damaged/2018/10/23/26eca0b0-d6cb-11e8-aeb7-ddcad4a0a54e_story.html |access-date=March 14, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 23, 2018 |location=Washington, D.C.}} The 17 Raptors that remained at the base remained relatively unscathed and were brought to airworthy condition within a few days.{{cite news |last1=Mizokami |first1=Kyle |title=Hurricane-Battered F-22s Are Now Flying Out of Michael's Aftermath |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a24750155/f-22-hurricane-michael-repaired/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Popular Mechanics |publisher=Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. |date=November 6, 2018}} The base's power, water, and sewage systems were downed,{{cite news |last1=Lasin |first1=Julius |title=Tyndall AFB: Florida air force base suffers major Hurricane Michael damage, see the video |url=https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2018/10/12/hurricane-michael-florida-air-force-base-tyndall-afb-damage-destroyed/1618863002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Pensacola News Journal |agency=USA Today Network |publisher=PNJ.com |date=October 12, 2018 |location=Pensacola, Florida}} rendering the base uninhabitable.{{cite report|title=Hurricane Michael Preliminary Virtual Assessment Team (P-VAT) Report |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/tae/events/20181010_Michael/StEER_PVAT.pdf |publisher=Structural Extreme Event Reconnaissance Network |via=National Weather Service Tallahassee, Floriday |access-date=March 14, 2020 |date=October 15, 2018}}{{rp|15}} The flight line and drone runway was crippled. The damage toll inflicted to installations at the base reached $3 billion.{{rp|10–11}} Large forests in the area were almost entirely flattened to the ground, while trees that remained standing on and around the base were completely stripped and denuded. Three-fourths of the longleaf pine trees on the base were sheared in half, equating to $14 million in harvestable timber losses.{{cite web |last1=Chapman |first1=Dan |title=Hurricane Michael allows Service, Air Force to increase longleaf pine restoration |url=https://www.fws.gov/southeast/articles/opportunity-from-disaster/ |publisher=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |access-date=March 14, 2020 |location=Atlanta, Georgia |date=June 7, 2019 |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231130200/https://www.fws.gov/southeast/articles/opportunity-from-disaster/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last1=Reeves |first1=Magen M. |title=Deforestation on Tyndall AFB leads to ecosystem restoration |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2059018/deforestation-on-tyndall-afb-leads-to-ecosystem-restoration/ |publisher=United States Air Force |access-date=March 14, 2020 |location=Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida |date=January 16, 2020}} Parts of the gymnasium of a nearby elementary school were also unroofed.

File:181021-A-QE256-014 (44873039825).jpg

An estimated ten to twenty thousand people were displaced by the storm in Panama City, of which one thousand remained at three area shelters.{{cite news |last1=Thrush |first1=Glenn |title=A Florida City, Hit Hard by Hurricane Michael, Seeks More Housing Aid |url=https://www.nytimes.com./2018/10/29/us/fema-hurricane-michael-panama-city.html |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=October 29, 2018 |location=New York, New York}} {{subscription required}} The Panama City area was buffeted by gusts as high as {{cvt|164|mph|km/h}}, inflicting roof damage and tearing the aluminum siding off of most homes and businesses; at least 90% of all structures and 69% of homes were damaged.{{cite news |last1=Neale |first1=Rick |title=Mexico Beach, Florida's Panhandle still reeling 7 months after Hurricane Michael struck |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2019/05/23/mexico-beach-floridas-panhandle-still-reeling-7-months-after-hurricane-michael-struck/3740274002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Florida Today |publisher=FloridaToday.com |date=May 23, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Crowder |first1=Valerie |title=Hurricane Michael A Year Later: Panama City Code Enforcement Starting Crackdown On Property Neglect |url=https://www.wlrn.org/post/hurricane-michael-year-later-panama-city-code-enforcement-starting-crackdown-property-neglect#stream/0 |access-date=March 14, 2020 |publisher=WLRN |date=October 11, 2019 |location=Miami, Florida}}{{rp|16}} Further damage was caused by trees falling upon roofs.{{rp|16}} A gas leak at an unroofed motel endangered guests who had sought shelter inside. Nine people were rescued by a helicopter after their house's roof collapsed.{{cite news |title=At least six dead as storm blows through Carolinas – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2018/oct/11/hurricane-michael-latest-live-news-updates-florida-weather-evacuations-storm?page=with:block-5bbf4cb4e4b07b0b8d7a380e#block-5bbf4cb4e4b07b0b8d7a380e |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=February 12, 2019}} Cars, truck trailers, recreational vehicles, and trains were tossed around by the wind.{{cite news |last1=Braun |first1=Michael |title=In a harrowing two hours, Hurricane Michael devastates Panama City |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/weather/hurricanes/2018/10/10/hurricane-michael-devastates-panama-city/1595842002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Florida Today |publisher=FloridaToday.com |date=October 10, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Fausset |first1=Richard |last2=Blinder |first2=Alan |last3=Mazzei |first3=Patricia |title=Hurricane Michael Leaves Trail of Destruction as It Slams Florida's Panhandle |url=https://www.nytimes.com./2018/10/10/us/hurricane-michael-florida.html |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=October 10, 2018 |location=New York, New York}} {{subscription required}} A high school's gymnasium had its roof peeled back and some of its interior walls blown apart.{{cite news |last1=Detman |first1=Gary |title=Hurricane Michael peels roof from high school gym in Panama City |url=https://cbs12.com/news/local/hurricane-michael-peels-roof-from-high-school-gym-in-panama-city |access-date=March 14, 2020 |publisher=CBS 12 |date=October 11, 2018 |location=West Palm Beach, Florida}} Broken glass and snapped utility poles littered the city streets and parking lots.{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Trevor |last2=Neale |first2=Rick |last3=Robinson |first3=Kevin |title=Hurricane Michael cripples Panama City with heartbreaking devastation |url=https://www.pnj.com/story/weather/hurricanes/2018/10/11/hurricane-michael-panama-city-devastation-heartbreaking-daylight/1598705002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Pensacola News Journal |publisher=PNJ.com |date=October 11, 2018 |location=Pensacola, Florida}} Downed studio transmitter link towers and power outages resulted in the loss of nearly all television and radio stations in the Panama City region.{{cite web |last1=Venta |first1=Lance |title=Hurricane Michael Takes Panama City Off The Air |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/171070/hurricane-michael-takes-panama-city-off-the-air/ |website=RadioInsight |publisher=RadioInsight.com |access-date=March 14, 2020 |date=October 10, 2018}} One collapsed tower tore a hole into the roof of the adjoining studio building.{{cite web |last1=Venta |first1=Lance |title=Powell Broadcasting To Cease Panama City Operations |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/171126/powell-broadcasting-to-cease-panama-city-operations/ |website=RadioInsight |publisher=RadioInsight.com |access-date=March 14, 2020 |date=October 13, 2018}} Severe roof and siding damage was prevalent in Panama City Beach, where gusts reached {{cvt|87|mph|km/h}}.{{rp|16}} At least 98% of structures in Callaway were damaged and 300 properties were tagged as beyond repair by city officials. Nearby, 85% of residential properties and 90% of businesses were damaged in Lynn Haven. The roof of a church was torn away in neighboring Southport.{{cite news |last1=Ortiz |first1=Erik |last2=Abdelkader |first2=Rima |last3=Gostanian |first3=Ali |last4=Helsel |first4=Phil |title=Panama City bears brunt of Hurricane Michael's destructive force |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/panama-city-weathers-brunt-hurricane-michael-s-destructive-force-n918756 |access-date=March 14, 2020 |publisher=NBC News |date=October 11, 2018}} Storm surge inundation exceeded {{cvt|5.3|ft|m}} along the coast in the Panama City area. Local marinas and boats docked in port were almost entirely destroyed.{{rp|16}} One person drowned on the eastern side of the Panama City near East Bay.{{rp|10}}

In addition to the Mexico Beach area, coastal communities in Franklin and Gulf counties—collectively known as the "Forgotten Coast" due to a lack of infrastructure development in recent decades—were among those hardest-hit by Michael.{{rp|15}} A Florida Department of Environmental Protection survey identified 2,725 structures that sustained major flood damage in Bay, Gulf, Franklin, and Wakulla counties.{{rp|1–9}} Over 2,000 structures sustained damage in Gulf County, with over 1,200 suffering major damage and 985 being destroyed. In Franklin County, 80 structures were destroyed.{{rp|11}} Michael's storm surge created two inlets along St. Joseph Peninsula, cutting off vehicle access to a {{cvt|9|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch of the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and isolating 8 cabins and 119 campsites. The onrush of water flattened the {{cvt|30|ft|m|adj=on}} dunes that once filled the park and left the boardwalk dilapidated.{{cite news |last1=Etters |first1=Karl |title=BREACHED BEACH: Battered St. Joseph Peninsula State Park reopening after Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2019/01/18/hurricane-michael-ravaged-st-joeseph-state-park-reopening-day-use/2592912002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Tallahassee Democrat |publisher=Tallahassee.com |date=January 18, 2019 |location=Tallahassee, Florida}} The main access road to Cape San Blas was shredded into asphalt sheets.{{cite news |last1=Solomon |first1=Josh |title=In Cape San Blas, a wary walk to find out what Michael left behind |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/In-Cape-San-Blas-a-wary-walk-to-find-out-what-Michael-left-behind_172651308/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=October 15, 2018 |location=Tampa, Florida}} Stretches of US 98 were washed out along the coast. A thousand homes were destroyed by coastal flooding in Port St. Joe and every building sustained damage. Forty homes were later demolished as their structural integrity declined. Many stores along the city's main street were flooded halfway up their first floors.{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Alicia |title=HURRICANE MICHAEL: Port St. Joe struggles for normalcy |url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20181020/hurricane-michael-port-st-joe-struggles-for-normalcy |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Northwest Florida Daily News |publisher=Gannett Co., Inc. |date=October 20, 2018 |location=Fort Walton Beach, Florida}} Storefronts were covered in sand piled up by the hurricane and homes and condos were displaced from their foundations.{{cite news |last1=Dove |first1=Patrick |title=Residents of Port St. Joe among those hardest hit by Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.tcpalm.com/picture-gallery/news/local/florida/2018/10/14/residents-port-st-joe-among-those-hardest-hit-hurricane-michael/1636014002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=TCPalm |agency=Treasure Coast News |date=October 13, 2018 |location=Port St. Lucie, Florida}} The Port St. Joe marina was severely damaged, contributing to the 400 vessels lost in Gulf and Bay counties. Boats from the marina were forced inland onto a parking lot {{cvt|300|yd|m}} from the docks. The failure of 15 pumping stations hamstrung the city's ability to eliminate wastewater.{{cite news |last1=Schweers |first1=Tallahassee |title=THE TOURISM TEST: 'It'll be rough' but Port St. Joe sees path forward after Hurricane Michael |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2019/02/23/itll-rough-but-port-st-joe-sees-path-forward-after-hurricane-michael-florida/2914230002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Tallahassee Democrat |publisher=Tallahassee.com |date=February 24, 2019 |location=Tallahassee, Florida}} Power lines and crumpled amalgamations of cars lay strewn across roads.{{cite news |title=In hardest-hit towns, Hurricane Michael leaves nothing unscathed |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-michael-port-st-joe-hard-hit-areas-storm-leaves-nothing-unscathed-today-2018-10-11/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=CBS This Morning |publisher=CBS News |date=October 11, 2018}} Power poles and campers were knocked over in the adjacent community of Highland View.

While Michael's storm surge flooded downtown Apalachicola, the city's buildings weathered the storm with generally minor damage.{{cite news |last1=Mazzei |first1=Patricia |title=For a Struggling Oyster Town, Hurricane Michael May Be One Misery Too Many |url=https://www.nytimes.com./2018/10/12/us/fishing-communities-damage-hurricane.html |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=October 12, 2018 |location=New York, New York}} {{subscription required}} However, the city was isolated due to the disheveled state of US 98,{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Greg |title=Michael Recovery: Apalachicola, Fla., Begins To Rebuild |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/10/13/657109529/michael-recovery-apalachicola-fla-begins-to-rebuild |access-date=March 14, 2020 |publisher=NPR |date=October 13, 2018}} with parts of the road blocked by felled oak and pine trees and other parts submerged under the advancing seawater. The anemometer at Apalachicola Regional Airport registered gusts of {{cvt|90|mph|km/h}} before being blown away.{{cite news |last1=Begos |first1=Kevin |last2=Berman |first2=Mark |last3=Lazo |first3=Luz |last4=Achenbach |first4=Joel |title='We're kind of getting crushed': Record-breaking Hurricane Michael slams Florida |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/were-kinda-getting-crushed-record-breaking-hurricane-michael-slams-florida/2018/10/10/3e7f376a-cca8-11e8-920f-dd52e1ae4570_story.html |access-date=March 14, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 10, 2018 |location=Washington, D.C.}} {{subscription required}} Sections of St. George Island were deeply inundated, and the island may have been entirely underwater during the storm. Although located farther from the storm than St. George Island, homes in Carrabelle sustained more severe damage due to their older and less-elevated construction, resulting in significant flood damage.{{cite web |title=Hurricane Michael Damage Assessment: Carrabelle and St. George Island |url=https://www.vanguardclaims.com/2018/10/23/hurricane-michael-damage-assessment-carrabelle-st-george-island/ |publisher=Vanguard |access-date=March 14, 2020 |location=Woodbury, New Jersey |date=October 23, 2018 |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801171718/https://www.vanguardclaims.com/2018/10/23/hurricane-michael-damage-assessment-carrabelle-st-george-island/ |url-status=dead }} The road connecting Carrabelle and St. George Island was washed out every few hundred feet.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Michael aftermath in Franklin County |url=https://www.wtxl.com/news/hurricane-michael-aftermath-in-franklin-county/article_7c03d8fa-ce71-11e8-aa45-cf3eb45a4f60.html |access-date=March 14, 2020 |publisher=WTXL-TV |date=September 30, 2019 |location=Tallahassee, Florida}} Along the coast of Franklin County from Alligator Point to Bald Point, the roofs of several homes were blown away; beach erosion also occurred throughout the extent. Four homes and an inn on Dog Island were destroyed.{{cite news |last1=Adlerstein |first1=David |title=Apalachicola destruction: 'We're going to see a huge drop in the tax rolls' |url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20181014/apalachicola-destruction-were-going-to-see-huge-drop-in-tax-rolls |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Northwest Florida Daily News |publisher=Gannett Co., Inc. |date=October 25, 2018 |location=Fort Walton Beach, Florida}} As Michael's waves repeatedly battered Dog Island, some of the 15 ships wrecked by the 1899 Carrabelle hurricane became exposed.{{cite news |last1=Etters |first1=Karl |title=Hurricane Michael unearthed 19th century shipwrecks in Florida |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/10/20/hurricane-michael-unearthed-ship-wrecks-dog-island-florida/1712168002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=USA Today |agency=Tallahassee Democrat |date=October 20, 2018}} Owing to the concave geometry of Apalachicola Bay, the {{cvt|10|ft|m}} storm surge produced by Michael along the coast Wakulla County was particularly damaging. There, the hurricane was considered most damaging in recent memory. Entire communities were swamped by the surge. In St. Marks, the depth of inundation reached {{cvt|4|–|5|ft|m}}, with the floodwaters pressing farther inland than in prior storms. Most of the county's electricity customers lost power during Michael's passage. Fallen trees rendered roads impassable.{{cite news |last1=Burlew |first1=Jeff |title=Michael hit Wakulla County harder than any other hurricane in memory |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/10/11/michael-hit-wakulla-county-harder-than-any-other-hurricane-memory/1603787002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Tallahassee Democrat |publisher=Tallahassee.com |date=October 11, 2018 |location=Tallahassee, Florida}}

{{Gallery

|title=Aerial views of the Forgotten Coast before and after Hurricane Michael

|align=center

|File:Mexico Beach before and after Hurricane Michael NOAA.jpg

|alt1=Aerial view showing destroyed buildings and debris

|Mexico Beach

|File:Tyndall Beach before and after Hurricane Michael NOAA.jpg

|alt2=Aerial view showing sand dune erosion

|Tyndall Beach

|File:St George Island before and after Hurricane Michael NOAA.jpg

|alt3=Aerial view showing sand dune erosion

|St. George Island

|File:St Joseph Peninsula before and after Hurricane Michael NOAA.jpg

|alt4=Aerial view showing a breached barrier island with a newly-carved inlet

|Cape San Blas

}}

File:Florida National Guard (44424855485).jpg

Strong winds from Michael penetrated inland, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and agricultural and forestry interests. Four hundred buildings were destroyed in Jackson County and major damage was inflicted upon another six hundred.{{rp|11}} Numerous trees and power lines were downed county-wide.{{cite news |last1=Burlew |first1=Jeff |title=Hurricane Michael: 'Like a bomb went off' in Jackson County, Marianna |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/10/12/hurricane-michael-like-bomb-went-off-jackson-county/1615834002/ |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Tallahassee Democrat |publisher=Tallahassee.com |date=January 27, 2019 |location=Tallahassee, Florida}} Some businesses in Marianna were unroofed, leading to further collapse of exterior walls. The stone façades of buildings in the courthouse square were reduced to rubble. The headquarters of Jackson County's road department collapsed and shopping centers and restaurants suffered heavy damage. One person died in Quincy and another in Alford to felled trees.{{rp|10}} Strong winds in the heavily forested regions in and around Tallahassee resulted in the widespread downing of trees, forcing the closure of over 125 roads in the city as well as an {{cvt|80|mi|km}} segment of I-10 between Tallahassee and Lake Seminole. Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee—Florida's oldest largest psychiatric hospital—was cut off from the outside world due to power disruptions, forcing aid to be dropped by helicopter.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Michael leaves Florida's main psych hospital cut off. Helicopters drop aid. |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article219852085.html |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=Miami Herald |agency=Miami Herald, Times Tallahassee Bureau |publisher=Miami Herald Media Company |date=October 11, 2018 |location=Miami, Florida}} Though localized, acute flooding resulted from Michael's rain swath. Record flooding occurred along Econfina Creek, overtopping a SR 20 bridge. Near Bennett, the creek rose from below action stage to flood stage in under six hours after {{cvt|5|–|9|in|mm}} of rain fell within its watershed.{{rp|51}} Moderate flooding along the Chipola River near Altha damaged homes downstream and inflicted significant damage to fish camps.

Sustained winds in coastal Okaloosa County, located west of Michael's landfall, met low-end tropical storm thresholds, punctuated by higher {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} gusts. Gusts in the tropical storm range extended west to Pensacola and farther inland along the westernmost stretches of the Florida Panhandle, downing trees and power lines.{{rp|53}} However, the overall impacts of Michael west of Bay County were comparatively muted.{{cite news |last1=Victoria |first1=Wendy |title=Western counties escape the brunt of Michael |url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20181010/western-counties-escape-brunt-of-michael |access-date=March 14, 2020 |work=NWFDailyNews.com |publisher=Gannett Co., Inc. |date=October 19, 2018 |location=Fort Walton Beach, Florida}} On the evening of October 10, 308 customers were without power in Escambia County. Isolated power outages also afflicted Okaloosa County.{{cite news |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Tom |title=OKALOOSA UPDATE: County may be spared hurricane-force winds |url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20181010/okaloosa-update-county-may-be-spared-hurricane-force-winds |access-date=October 10, 2018 |work=Northwest Florida Daily News |publisher=Gannett Co., Inc. |date=October 10, 2018 |location=Pensacola, Florida}} Gusts in the Pensacola area topped out at {{cvt|44|mph|km/h}} and reached {{cvt|60|mph|km/h}} in Destin. The Navarre Causeway and the Garcon Point Bridge briefly closed as winds exceeded {{cvt|39|mph|km/h}}.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Michael spares Pensacola area from its wrath |url=https://www.pnj.com/story/weather/hurricanes/2018/10/10/hurricane-michael-waves-crashing-pensacola-beach/1595001002/ |access-date=March 13, 2020 |work=Pensacola News Journal |publisher=PNJ.com |date=October 10, 2018 |location=Pensacola, Florida}} Storm surge inundation of {{cvt|2|–|2.5|ft|m}} in the Pensacola area occurred ahead of the hurricane due to strong easterly winds, producing minor flooding. Significant beach erosion and road damage was caused by {{cvt|10|–|15|ft|m}} waves along SR 399 between Pensacola Beach and Navarre. Several piers on Choctawhatchee Bay were damaged or destroyed.{{rp|53}} Neighborhoods along the Santa Rosa Sound were in Pensacola Beach were flooded as the rough surf flowed over barriers.{{cite news |last1=Pippin |first1=Cory |title=Santa Rosa Sound rises during Hurricane Michael, floods entire neighborhoods |url=https://weartv.com/news/local/santa-rosa-sound-rises-during-michael-floods-entire-neighborhoods |access-date=March 13, 2020 |work=WEAR-TV |publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group |date=October 10, 2018 |location=Pensacola, Florida}}

File:DSC 5187 pp (30297833557).jpg

The outer fringes of Michael affected parts of the peninsular region of Florida well before its ultimate landfall. The combined wind flow from Michael's large circulation and an area of high pressure to the north generated squalls with {{cvt|35|–|40|mph|km/h}} gusts over central Florida on October 8; at the time, Michael was located near the western end of Cuba. One boat sank in Lake Monroe due to rough waters generated by the squalls, killing one person and hospitalizing another.{{cite journal |editor1-last=Hinson |editor1-first=Stuart |title=Storm Data: October 2018 |journal=Storm Data |date=October 2018 |volume=60 |issue=10 |url=https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-01080A08-7D15-4FAE-892B-C59666B28DAE.pdf |access-date=March 12, 2020 |publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information |location=Asheville, North Carolina |issn=0039-1972|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312235042/https://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/orders/IPS/IPS-01080A08-7D15-4FAE-892B-C59666B28DAE.pdf|archive-date=March 12, 2020}}{{rp|50}} Minor saltwater flooding occurred along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of South Florida due to high tides enhanced by storm surge.{{rp|52}}

Storm surge was responsible for most of the $100,000 damage toll along the coasts of west-central and southwestern Florida. Storm surge topped out at {{cvt|4.52|ft|m}} at Cedar Key. Similar surge heights occurred in Citrus County, forcing several road closures and washing away a car parked on a road ramp at Fort Island Gulf Beach. Tropical storm-force winds were also felt in isolated areas in the region. A National Ocean Service station in Cedar Key recorded a {{cvt|53|mph|km/h}} sustained wind, the highest reported in the region. Cedar Key experienced the worst effects from Michael along the west and southwestern coasts of the Florida peninsula. Two homes and two businesses experienced stormwater inundation, in addition to another four homes in nearby Yankeetown; each building sustained minor damage amounting to roughly $10,000 per building. Michael's outer rainbands spawned at least four waterspouts; one briefly moved ashore Sarasota County {{cvt|3|mi|km}} northwest of Siesta Key and was classified as an EF0 tornado. Another EF0 tornado was spotted by law enforcement near Camp Blanding.{{rp|53}}

File:Power of Hurricane Michael (30388815577).jpg in Seminole County, Georgia]]

Michael crossed into Georgia in Donalsonville as a weakening, but still strong Category 2 hurricane, where significant damage to structures and trees occurred. Gusts in Donalsonville peaked at {{cvt|115|mph}}. Tropical storm force wind gusts were observed as far north as Athens and Atlanta. More than 400,000 electrical customers in Georgia were left without power. At least 127 roads throughout the state were blocked by fallen trees or debris. In Albany, where wind gusts reached {{convert|74|mph|abbr=on}},{{cite report|author=Jessica Fieux|title=Post Tropical Cyclone Report Hurricane Michael|date=October 18, 2018|access-date=October 21, 2018|url=https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&product=PSH&issuedby=TAE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021190854/https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&product=PSH&issuedby=TAE|archive-date=October 21, 2018}} 24,270 electrical customers lost power. Numerous trees fell on homes and roads, blocking about 100 intersections. Winds also ripped siding off of homes and shattered windows at the convention center. Three tornadoes were spawned by Michael in Georgia,{{Cite web|title=Hurricane Michael Hits Georgia|url=https://www.weather.gov/ffc/2018_hurricane_michael|access-date=September 3, 2021|website=National Weather Service}} including a high-end EF1 tornado in Crawford County that knocked down several trees onto homes and destroyed.{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/just-first-death-from-hurricane-michael-confirmed-georgia/bXtpzT44sXZbGrkykJy7DJ/|date=October 11, 2018|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|title=Hurricane Michael: Damage in Georgia is 'phenomenal'|first1=Ben|last1=Brasch|first2=Johnny|last2=Edwards|first3=Christian|last3=Boone|access-date=October 12, 2018}} An 11-year-old girl in Seminole County died after debris fell on her home.{{cite news|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/local/hurricane-michael-georgia-damage-the-numbers/dEnLDLp9wPQb3aY7GvVFnL/|title=Hurricane Michael in Georgia: Damage by the numbers|date=October 11, 2018|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|first1=Mitchell|last1=Northam|first2=Becca J. G.|last2=Godwin|first3=Raisa|last3=Habersham|access-date=October 12, 2018}}

Agriculture across the state suffered tremendous losses. As of October 18, estimated damage in the agriculture industry alone reached $2.38–2.89 billion. Forestry experienced the greatest losses at $1 billion, with about 1 million acres of trees destroyed. Described as a "generational loss", pecan farms in many areas were wiped out. The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Georgia estimated that the pecan crop suffered $100 million in direct losses, with another $260 million in direct losses associated with damage to pecan trees.{{cite web |title=Hurricane Michael's Impact on Georgia's Agricultural Economy |url=https://agr.georgia.gov/GDA-Hurricane-Response/media/2018-Hurricane-Michael-Georgia-ag-impacts.pdf |publisher=University of Georgia Extension |via=Georgia Department of Agriculture |access-date=November 23, 2022 |date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123164519/https://agr.georgia.gov/GDA-Hurricane-Response/media/2018-Hurricane-Michael-Georgia-ag-impacts.pdf |url-status=dead }} Farmers were still recovering from damage incurred by Hurricane Irma during the preceding year. The entire crop in Seminole County was lost and 85 percent was lost in Decatur. Initially expected to be a record harvest, a large portion of the cotton crop—worth an estimated $300–800 million—was wiped out. $480 million worth of vegetables were destroyed. In the poultry industry, more than 2 million chickens died due to the storm, and the loss were about $25 million. The insurance claims throughout the state were about $700 million.

File:Hurricane Michael Reaches North Carolina (31417257688).jpg

Four EF0 tornadoes were spawned in South Carolina, all of which caused minor tree damage.{{cite web |title=Hurricane Michael South Carolina Tornadoes |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=10&beginDate_dd=10&beginDate_yyyy=2018&endDate_mm=10&endDate_dd=11&endDate_yyyy=2018&county=ALL&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=45%2CSOUTH+CAROLINA |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=September 12, 2021}} Moisture streaming northward ahead of Michael led to heavy rainfall across North Carolina on October 11, with most occurring in the basins of the New and Watauga river basins. Most of the rain fell in three to six hours, triggering flash floods. Rainfall totals were generally {{convert|4|–|8|in|mm|abbr=on}} with some localized maxima in excess of {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}}.{{rp|139–140}} As the cyclone itself passed through North Carolina, it produced wind gusts of {{convert|40|–|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} across the central region of the state, blowing down trees onto roads and electric lines;{{rp|138}} 490,000 Duke Energy customers were left without power late on October 11, and 342,000 remained without power in the state 24 hours later.{{cite news|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article219910430.html|title=More than 400,000 in Carolinas still without power after Tropical Storm Michael|first=Bruce|last=Henderson|work=The Charlotte Observer|date=October 12, 2018|access-date=October 12, 2018}} A tree fell on a car in Statesville, killing the driver.{{cite web|title=1st death reported in NC from Michael|url=https://www.cbs17.com/weather/hurricane-center/1st-death-reported-in-nc-from-michael/1517119845|publisher=CBS 17 News|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 11, 2018|archive-date=October 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012053919/https://www.cbs17.com/weather/hurricane-center/1st-death-reported-in-nc-from-michael/1517119845|url-status=dead}} Two others died in Marion when they crashed into a tree that had fallen across a road.{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Pam |title=Michael Death Toll Climbs to 18; Search Continues for Missing |url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-10-13-hurricane-michael-florida-mexico-beach-death-toll-southeast-mid |access-date=October 14, 2018 |website=weather.com|publisher=The Weather Company |date=October 13, 2018}} Fallen trees damaged homes and hotels in the Research Triangle.{{cite news |title=Winds from Tropical Storm Michael cause heavy damage across North Carolina |url=https://abc11.com/4463664/ |work=ABC11 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ABC, Inc. |date=October 11, 2018 |location=Durham, North Carolina}} The total cost of damage in central North Carolina reached $7.15 million.{{rp|137}} Winds were stronger along the coast, with a peak gust of {{cvt|74|mph}} measured in Kitty Hawk. The northern Outer Banks experienced minor shingle damage and isolated tree damage as a result of these winds, with Manteo, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk experiencing the heaviest impacts from both these winds and storm surge along the Outer Banks.{{rp|139}}

In Virginia, seven tornadoes touched down: four were rated EF0 and three were rated EF1. The three EF1 tornadoes struck Burkeville, Mannboro, and Toana, blowing roofs off buildings and knocking down trees, some onto homes. A house in Mannboro was shifted slightly off its foundation and had most of its roof uplifted.{{cite web |title=Hurricane Michael Virginia Tornadoes |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=10&beginDate_dd=11&beginDate_yyyy=2018&endDate_mm=10&endDate_dd=11&endDate_yyyy=2018&county=ALL&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=51%2CVIRGINIA |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Weather Service |access-date=September 12, 2021}} Flash Flood Emergencies were issued for both Roanoke and Danville on October 11.{{Cite news |title=One year later: Meteorologist Kara Thompson looks back on Hurricane Michael in Virginia |url=https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/one-year-later-looking-back-on-hurricane-michael-in-virginia/ |last=Thompson |first=Kara |date=2019-10-10 |access-date=2023-11-25 |work=WFXR |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124211247/https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/one-year-later-looking-back-on-hurricane-michael-in-virginia/ |url-status=dead }} In the southernmost regions of the state, over {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain fell.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Michael: The strongest storm of 2018's season brought flooding to southwest Virginia |url=https://www.wfxrtv.com/weather/safetyinthestorm/hurricane-michael-the-strongest-storm-of-2018s-season-brought-flooding-to-southwest-virginia/amp/ |access-date=October 4, 2024 |publisher=WFXR |date=June 1, 2021}} In Danville itself, the {{convert|6|in|mm|abbr=on}} was the most rain to ever fall in a single day.{{cite news |title=Michael breaks all-time rain record in Danville |url=https://www.wsls.com/weather/2018/10/13/michael-breaks-all-time-rain-record-in-danville/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |publisher=WSLS |date=October 13, 2018}} Four people including a firefighter were washed away by floodwaters, and another firefighter was killed in a vehicle collision on Interstate 295.{{cite news |last1=Hedgpeth |first1=Dana |title=Five people are dead, 1,200 roads closed and half-a-million people are without power after Michael ravages Virginia |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/high-winds-heavy-rains-from-michael-cause-school-delays-and-morning-commute-problems/2018/10/12/bccec5b4-ce05-11e8-a360-85875bac0b1f_story.html |access-date=October 12, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issue=October 12, 2018}} A sixth fatality was discovered when the body of a woman was found on October 13.{{cite news |title=Death toll from TS Michael up to 6 in Virginia |url=https://www.whsv.com/content/news/Death-toll-from-TS-Micheal-increases-to-6-in-Virginia-497468021.html |access-date=October 14, 2018 |publisher=WHSV-TV3 |date=October 13, 2018}} At least 1,200 roads were closed, and hundreds of trees were downed. Up to 600,000 people were left without power at the height of the storm.

In Maryland, the remnants of Michael dropped {{cvt|7|in}} of rain over a period of a few hours in Wicomico County on October 11. Flooding from the Rockawalkin Creek damaged a portion of MD 349, forcing the road to be closed.{{cite news|last=Tyszko|first=Erin|title=Nanticoke Road Closure in Wicomico County|publisher=WBOC-TV|location=Salisbury, MD|date=October 15, 2018|url=http://www.wboc.com/story/39289771/nanticoke-road-closure-in-wicomico-county|access-date=October 26, 2018}} Homes were flooded in the Canal Woods neighborhood in Salisbury.{{cite news|title=Major Flooding in Canal Woods After Tropical Storm Michael|publisher=WBOC-TV|location=Salisbury, MD|date=October 12, 2018|url=http://www.wboc.com/story/39277817/major-flooding-in-canal-woods-after-tropical-storm-michael|access-date=October 26, 2018}} Three hundred people were forced to evacuate from three apartments in the neighborhood.{{cite news |last1=Desai |first1=Kamleshkumar |last2=Harding |first2=Hayley |last3=Vaughn |first3=Carol |last4=Gamard |first4=Sarah |title=Tropical Storm Michael: 'This is a mess' Salisbury residents leave homes from flooding; wind, rain cuts through Delmarva |url=https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/2018/10/12/tropical-storm-michael-wind-damage-and-flooding/1612021002/ |access-date=April 27, 2020 |work=Delmarva Now |date=October 12, 2018 |location=Salisbury, Maryland}} Michael's remnants also generated strong winds across Maryland, with sustained winds topping out at {{cvt|38|mph}} with gusts reaching {{cvt|62|mph}}.{{rp|109}}

Further north, wind gusts reached as high as {{convert|62|mph|kph|abbr=on}} at Lewes Beach, Delaware and {{convert|54|mph|kph|abbr=on}} at Atlantic City Airport in New Jersey. Heavy rainfall was also present in this region, with {{convert|3.83|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain in Georgetown, Delaware, {{convert|3.03|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Millville, New Jersey, {{convert|2.58|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Atlantic City and {{convert|2.29|in|mm|abbr=on}} in Islip, New York.[https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-10-11-hurricane-michael-recap-gulf-coast-southeast Hurricane Michael Recap: Historic Category 5 Florida Panhandle Landfall and Inland Wind Damage Swath], The Weather Channel, September 21, 2023

File:President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump Visit Florida and Georgia (44435938005).jpg

File:TrumpHurricaneMichaelFL.jpg Melania Trump, and Governor Scott meeting with residents of Lynn Haven.]]

On October 9—a day before Hurricane Michael made landfall—President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration for Florida, which authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster efforts, with Thomas McCool serving as Federal Coordinating Officer in the state. The declaration also authorized funding for 75% of the cost of emergency protective measures and the removal of storm debris in 14 Florida counties. The federal government also provided for 75% of the cost of emergency protective measures in an additional 21 counties.{{Cite news|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=October 12, 2018|title=President Donald J. Trump Signs Emergency Declaration for Florida|publisher=FEMA|url=https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2018/10/09/president-donald-j-trump-signs-emergency-declaration-florida}} On October 11, President Trump declared a major disaster in five counties: Bay, Franklin, Gulf, Taylor, and Wakulla. Residents in the county were able to receive grants for house repairs, temporary shelter, loans for uninsured property losses, and business loans.{{Cite news|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 12, 2018|title=President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Florida|publisher=FEMA|url=https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2018/10/11/president-donald-j-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-florida}} In addition to FEMA, several private and non-profit organizations, including the DSA, PSL, and SRA, established the Hurricane Michael Relief Network which provided direct relief to residents that were affected by the disaster.{{cite web |last1=Arria |first1=Michael |title=Left-Wing Disaster Relief Efforts Spread Goodwill for Socialism |url=https://truthout.org/articles/left-wing-disaster-relief-efforts-spread-goodwill-for-socialism/ |website=Truthout |date=December 14, 2018 |access-date=July 23, 2019}}

Due to the storm damage in Georgia, President Trump also signed an emergency declaration for Georgia, where FEMA activity was coordinated by Manny J. Torro. The declaration authorized funding for 75% of the cost of emergency protective measures and the removal of storm debris in 31 Georgia counties, and 75% of the cost of emergency protective measures in an additional 77 counties.{{Cite news|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 12, 2018|title=President Donald J. Trump Signs Emergency Declaration for Georgia|publisher=FEMA|url=https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2018/10/11/president-donald-j-trump-signs-emergency-declaration-georgia}}

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has since requested, with the storm's elevation to Category 5, the federal relief share be increased from 75% to 90%.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsherald.com/news/20190422/desantis-asks-trump-to-increase-hurricane-michael-cleanup-money|title=DeSantis asks Trump to increase Hurricane Michael cleanup money|author=Katie Landeck|work=Panama City News Herald|date=April 23, 2019|access-date=January 10, 2021}} As of April 2019, either value awaits passage of a specific relief package being delayed in the United States House of Representatives.{{cite web|url=https://www.graydc.com/content/news/Florida-lawmaker-reflects-on-six-months-since-Hurricane-Michaels-curse-508395081.html|title=FL lawmaker reflects on six months since Hurricane Michael's destruction|website=Gray DC|author=Alana Austin|publisher=Gray Television, Inc.|date=April 10, 2019|access-date=January 10, 2021}}

{{Most intense landfalling Atlantic hurricanes|align=right}}

With maximum sustained winds of {{convert|160|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a central pressure of {{convert|919|mbar|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on}} at landfall, Michael was the most intense landfalling mainland U.S. hurricane since Camille in 1969, which had a central pressure of {{convert|900|mbar|inHg|2|abbr=on}} at landfall. Hurricane Michael was the first landfalling Category 5 Atlantic hurricane in the U.S. since Andrew in 1992, which had {{convert|165|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds.{{cite news|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane/fl-ne-hurricane-michael-florida-20181009-story.html|date=October 10, 2018|title=Hurricane Michael devastates Mexico Beach, Florida, in historic Category 4 landfall|newspaper=Sun-Sentinel|agency=Associated Press|last1=Reeves|first1=Jay|last2=Farrington|first2=Brendan|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011091918/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane/fl-ne-hurricane-michael-florida-20181009-story.html|url-status=live}} Michael is tied with the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane for the sixth-strongest tropical cyclone by wind speed to impact the United States (including its overseas territories), and was the fourth strongest to impact the U.S. mainland.{{cite tweet|user=philklotzbach|first=Philip|last=Klotzbach|title=Table of 10 Strongest Continental US Landfalling #Hurricanes on Record as Ranked by Maximum Sustained Wind. Michael Ranks Fourth with Sustained Winds of 135 knots (155 mph) at Landfall.|url=https://twitter.com/philklotzbach/status/1050085570016247808|via=Twitter|access-date=October 10, 2018|date=October 10, 2018|number=1050085570016247808}}{{Primary source inline|date=February 2024}} Additionally, Michael was the second-most intense hurricane by pressure to make landfall in Florida, behind the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, and the third strongest by wind, behind the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and Andrew.{{cite news |last1=Klotzbach |first1=Philip |title=Michael Made History as One of the Top Four Strongest Hurricanes to Strike the United States |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2018/10/11/michael-made-history-one-top-four-strongest-hurricanes-strike-united-states/ |access-date=October 11, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 11, 2018 |archive-date=October 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011174013/https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2018/10/11/michael-made-history-one-top-four-strongest-hurricanes-strike-united-states/ |url-status=live }}

Michael was the second-most intense hurricane to have made landfall during the month of October in the North Atlantic basin (including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea), behind the 1924 Cuba hurricane.{{cite news |last1=Uhlhorn |first1=Eric |last2=Lorsolo |first2=Sylvie |title=Why Hurricane Michael's Landfall Is Historic |url=http://www.air-worldwide.com/Blog/Why-Hurricane-Michael%E2%80%99s-Landfall-Is-Historic/ |access-date=October 10, 2018 |publisher=Air-Worldwide |date=October 10, 2018 |archive-date=October 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016080449/http://www.air-worldwide.com/Blog/Why-Hurricane-Michael%E2%80%99s-Landfall-Is-Historic/ |url-status=live }} Michael was the first recorded Category 4 or 5 hurricane to strike the Florida Panhandle since reliable records began in 1851.{{cite tweet|user=philklotzbach|first=Philip|last=Klotzbach|title=Hurricane Michael has Made Landfall with Max Sustained Winds of 155 mph - the First Category 5 Hurricane to Make Landfall in the Florida Panhandle on Record.|url=https://twitter.com/philklotzbach/status/1050081126327279616|via=Twitter|access-date=October 10, 2018|date=October 10, 2018|number=1050081126327279616}}{{Primary source inline|date=February 2024}}

{{See also|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}

Due to the extreme damage and loss of life the storm caused along its track, particularly in the Florida Panhandle and southwest Georgia, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Michael from its rotating name lists in March 2019, and it will never again be used for another Atlantic tropical cyclone. It was replaced with Milton for the 2024 season.{{cite report|title=Florence and Michael retired by the World Meteorological Organization|url=https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/florence-and-michael-retired-by-world-meteorological-organization|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=March 20, 2019|access-date=March 20, 2019|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320191626/https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/florence-and-michael-retired-by-world-meteorological-organization|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season List Includes Two New Names|last1=Belles|first1=Jonathan|last2=Erdman|first2=Jon|date=February 22, 2024|url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-02-20-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season-names|publisher=The Weather Channel|access-date=April 13, 2024}}

• Tropical cyclones in 2018
• List of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes
• List of Cuba hurricanes
• List of Florida hurricanes (2000–present)
• Hurricane Opal (1995) – another fast-moving major hurricane which affected Mexico and Central America in its early stages, before striking the Florida Panhandle
• Hurricane Idalia (2023) – a hurricane that had a similar trajectory
• Hurricane Helene (2024) – another hurricane that had a similar path and intensity
• Hurricane Milton (2024) – another October Gulf of Mexico Category 5 hurricane that also struck Florida

{{reflist|group=nb}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Hurricane Michael (2018)}}

• The National Hurricane Center's [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2018/MICHAEL.shtml advisory archive on Hurricane Michael]
• [https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20181228235933/https://emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/list-of-components/EMSR322 EMSR322: Hurricane Michael over the coast of Florida, Alabama and Georgia (delineation maps)] – Copernicus Emergency Management Service

{{Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes}}

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{{Retired Atlantic hurricanes}}

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Michael