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4am Hurricane Michael Update: Strengthening has paused but still expect category 3 hurricane at landfall

To: Daily Rundown Readers

Good morning!

Today’s Daily Rundown will focus just on Hurricane Michael since that’s all we really care about right now!

Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft a few hours ago indicate that Michael’s strengthening has paused, with the maximum winds near 90 mph. The aircraft also reported that the eyewall had become less organized, which may be due to some dry air entrainment and shear. The latest satellite imagery shows the convective banding becoming better defined, and the next aircraft will shortly arrive in the hurricane to provide better information on whether intensification has resumed.

There is little change in either the forecast philosophy from the previous advisory. Only minor tweaks have been made to the previous forecast track, with Michael expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday and cross the southeastern United States Wednesday night and Thursday.

The large-scale models continue to forecast a decrease in the shear later today, which means Michael is forecasted to intensify further before landfall. The new intensity forecast follows the previous forecast in showing Michael as a category 3 hurricane at landfall.

On the forecast track, the center of Michael will continue to move over the southern Gulf of Mexico this morning, then move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico later today and tonight. Life-threatening storm surge inundation is expected along portions of the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend/Nature Coast.

Other important info:

Mandatory Evacuation Orders: According to the Okaloosa County Commissioner’s Office, in the state of Florida, counties cannot issue so-called “Mandatory evacuation” ahead of a hurricane. A “mandatory evacuation,” which would include your arrest if you refused to comply, is not legally allowed in the state. They can only ASK you to leave. However, if you decide to ignore this order, they will not be able to send first responders to aid you in you are in a life-threatening situation.

Suspended Tolls: Gov. Rick Scott has directed the Florida Department of Transportation to suspend all tolls until further notice.

Schools closed today and tomorrow.

City of Destin, City of Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County offices will close at noon Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday.

The Destin Fishing Rodeo will be closed down Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Florida Department of Transportation will close all of the bridges once sustained winds exceed 39 miles per hour.

Okaloosa County Airports, including Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), Destin Executive Airport (DTS), and Bob Sikes Airport (CEW) will CLOSE and cease all operations starting on Wednesday, October 10 at 12:01 a.m. The airports will remain closed until further updates are provided.

Alright, that’s all I have for you this morning based on the info that I have as of 5:30am. Keep it locked on all of the local sources of news and weather for updates throughout the day and remember to just be smart and play it safe!