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TIMING AND TRACK
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See the latest: Watch & warnings
Central Florida: Periods of heavy rains could lead to some isolated flooding across Central Florida, especially in parts where rain bands become more persistent. Between 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible, higher amounts west of I-4 through the West Coast. Breezy to windy conditions are expected to start Tuesday and continue through late Wednesday. Wind will be mainly from the east gusting up to 25 mph Tuesday, then shifting from the southeast Wednesday and mainly from the south on Thursday. Gusts will remain between 25-30 mph.
Scattered storms could be passing over Central Florida, some could have some rotation. The higher threat for tornado development is from Marion County northward. Overall minor impacts associated with Michael are possible across Central Florida.
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See the latest: Watch & warnings
11 a.m. update
Hurricane Michael's track toward the Florida Panhandle remains steady and the Category 2 storm is getting stronger, according to Channel 9 certified meteorologist Brian Shields.
The National Hurricane Center said Michael had top sustained winds of 110 mph, which is below the threshold for a "major" hurricane. Forecasters said they still expect Michael to get stronger and will bring a powerful storm surge.
The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida's Panhandle or Big Bend on Wednesday before crossing Georgia and the Carolinas as a weaker storm.
The storm's effects will be felt far from the eye of the hurricane. Forecasters said Michael's storm winds stretched 370 miles across, with hurricane-strength winds extending up to 35 miles from the center.
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8:00 a.m. update
Hurricane Michael continues to strengthen and all signs are showing that it will continue to do so as it nears the Florida Panhandle.
Maximum sustained winds are up to 100 mph and the storm will likely become a major Category 3 hurricane by late tonight or early Wednesday. It is located 395 miles south of Panama City, Florida.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect along much of Florida's northern Gulf Coast, stretching from the Panhandle into the Big Bend.
5:00 a.m. update:
Hurricane Michael is still expected to strengthen and become a major hurricane at landfall, then weaken as it moves inland on Wednesday and Thursday, producing periods of heavy rain from Florida to the Carolinas.
4:30 a.m. update
Michael has gained new strength over warm tropical waters and is forecast to quickly intensify into a major hurricane before a midweek landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast
In the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas, residents are boarding up homes, filling sandbags and planning for evacuation routes away from the storm's projected strike zone.
Preparations should end by a Tuesday afternoon before the winds start to pick up strengthen.
TIMING AND TRACK
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We will continue to monitor the tropics closely and bring you updates on Channel 9, WFTV.com and on our WFTV apps.
HURRICANE COVERAGE YOU CAN COUNT ON: