MASS evacuations are underway today after families were warned they were “running out of time” as Hurricane Michael closes in on the US.

Hurricane Michael is barrelling towards Florida and could fire 115mph winds across the US panhandle

“We are running out of time…TODAY is the day to get a plan, because tomorrow could be too late,” tweeted Florida Governor Rick Scott on Monday night.

Mandatory evacuations are now underway in coastal areas, with 1,250 National Guard soldiers aiding the exodus with more than 4,000 troops on standby. Residents frantically filled sandbags, boarded up homes and shops and secured boats – as it was revealed the storm could be even worse than first feared.

Schools have also been evacuated as Florida and Alabama prepare for wide-spread power outages, floods, mudslides, wind damage and torrents of rain

After pummelling Florida, Michael is forecast to move northeast and drench the Carolinas – still recovering from the devastation left last month by Hurricane Florence.

It is feared the storm – which has already battered Cuba –  could spark life-threatening flash floods and terrifying mudslides.

By 11pm Monday, the shocking weather front’s top sustained winds were around 90 mph as it headed north at a speed of 12 mph.

Forecasters say the centre of Michael will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico sometime on Tuesday evening.

One expert has said it could be “one of the worst” hurricanes ever to strike Florida.

Tropical Storm Michael is predicted to update to a hurricane this week

Governor Scott called Michael a “monstrous storm” after declaring a state of emergency in 35 counties along the panhandle and Big Bend

Governor Scott tweeted: “Let’s all stay safe and watch this storm closely. As we have seen before, it can change direction and impact any part of our state.

“EVERY FAMILY must be prepared. We can rebuild your home, but we cannot rebuild your life.”

He added: “This storm will be life-threatening and extremely dangerous.”

Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency across 26 counties

Source:

The Sun – https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/7440747/hurricane-michael-florida-latest-evacuation-storm-tracker/