Hurricane Michael: 'Monstrous' Cat 4 Storm 50 Miles From Land

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Overnight, the National Hurricane Center upgraded Michael to an "extremely dangerous" category 4 hurricane as the storm churned up the Gulf of Mexico with 150 mph winds.

Just before noon on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said Michael is still strengthening as the eye nears the coast of the Florida Panhandle. The hurricane is now 50 miles away from Panama City and 55 miles from Apalachicola with the storm moving at 14 mph.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme wind warning for areas between Laguna Beach and Eastpoint, which are experiencing gusts of more than 130 mph associated with the eye wall as the hurricane moves onshore.

"This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation," said center director, Ken Graham. "Take cover now."

Data from the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicates the maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph with gusts even higher.

Water levels continue to rise quickly along the coast of the Panhandle. The National Ocean Service water level station at Apalachicola water 5 feet above ground level and other low-lying areas have begun to flood.

The storm is also spawning tornadoes and water spouts. A tornado watch has been issued for the Panhandle and counties further to the south.

When it reaches land, forecasters at the hurricane center expect Hurricane Michael to pummel the Panhandle with 170-mph winds, torrential downpours and 12-foot waves.

“Let me be clear, " said Florida Gov. Rick Scott. "Hurricane Michael is a monstrous storm and we're just hours away from seeing impacts. This is the most destructive storm to hit the Panhandle in decades. This storm could kill you.”

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Except for an occasional patrol car, throughout the northern Gulf Coast, streets are deserted -- most of its 375,000 residents safely huddled in hurricane shelters, inland hotels and with family members living beyond the cone of destruction.

Now it's a waiting game. Scott said the state has done all it can do to prepare for Michael's arrival. He has 3,500 members of the Florida National Guard, 300 extra Florida Highway Patrol troopers, 1,000 search and rescue team members, and 135 Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissioner officers ready to take action once the hurricane hits.

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Image via National Hurricane Center

The eye of the hurricane has become more developed as it enters the warmer Gulf waters.

Image via AP

Boaters batten down the hatches.

Shop owners cover store windows with plywood.