FLORIDA -- A recent post-storm review shows Hurricane Michael was one of the strongest hurricanes to ever strike the coast of the United States. That report released last week by the National Hurricane Center upgraded the storm to category 5 strength.
- Michael came inland along the Florida pandhandle on October 10, 2018
- A detailed analysis of weather data not available immediately after landfall suggests the winds were stronger than originally estimated
- That makes Michael the first category 5 hurricane to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Andrew devastated south Florida in 1992
Michael came inland along the Florida panhandle on October 10, 2018. Previously, the storm was estimated to be at just below category 5 strength at landfall. However, a detailed analysis of weather data not available immediately after landfall suggests the winds were stronger than originally estimated. The report states sustained winds reached up to 160 mph.
That makes Michael the first category 5 hurricane to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Andrew devastated south Florida in 1992. The only other category 5 hurricanes on record to hit the U.S. were Hurricane Camille in 1969 and the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.
Michael had the third lowest pressure ever measured in a landfalling U.S. hurricane.
In North Carolina, Michael caused heavy rain and flooding for the mountains and foothills.
According to NOAA, the storm caused $25 billion in damage in the country and 16 people were killed.