Probashbangla24 online Desk : Hurricane Michael has strengthened to a category three storm, with winds near 120mph (193km/h) as it churns towards the Florida coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) says.
The storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday. Florida Governor Rick Scott has warned residents to evacuate.
Alabama, Florida and Georgia have declared states of emergency in all or parts of the states.
At least 13 people have reportedly died in Central America due to the storm.
Governor Scott called for coastal residents to evacuate, saying: “It could be the difference between life and death.”
Alabama is under a state-wide state of emergency ahead of the hurricane, along with 92 counties in southern Georgia and 35 counties in Florida.
Forecasters say some regions of the US may see 12in (30cm) of rain, and storm surges of up to 12ft (3.6m).
“Strengthening is expected overnight and on Wednesday, and Michael is forecast to be near category four strength when it makes landfall in the Florida Panhandle or the Florida Big Bend area,” the NHC said in its latest bulletin.
“Weakening is expected after landfall as Michael moves across the south-eastern United States,” it added.
The Florida governor called Michael “a monstrous storm” and urged residents to listen to officials.
It is expected to quickly travel up the US East Coast after making landfall on the Gulf Coast.
Heavy rains are forecast for the Carolinas, which were drenched by Hurricane Florence last month.
More than 300 miles of coastline are currently under threat, the National Weather Service has said.
The agency warned residents in Florida and Alabama of possible storm surges, high winds and flash flooding.
Forecasters in Alabama warned of possible tornados.
President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday: “We are very well prepared for the incoming hurricane.”
Some 120,000 people have been warned to evacuate along Florida’s coast, where schools and state offices are to remain shut this week.
