*By Christian Smith* While it may not be the strongest storm to hit the U.S. this year, Hurricane Michael could prove incredibly destructive to a region that isn't used to powerful hurricanes, said meteorologist and Grist staff writer Eric Holthaus. "In this area where the storm is expected to make landfall there have only been about three hurricanes of this strength in all of history," Holthaus said Tuesday in an interview on Cheddar. A State of Emergency was expanded on Monday to cover 35 counties along the Florida Gulf Coast. At a press conference, Gov. Rick Scott said, "Hurricane Michael is forecast to be the most destructive storm to hit the Florida Panhandle in decades." Hurricane Michael was upgraded to a [Category 3](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/09/us/hurricane-michael.html) Tuesday. It is expected to make landfall in the central part of the Florida panhandle near Panama City on Wednesday. Evacuations have been ordered for a number of counties along the Florida Coast. Authorities warn that rescue crews will not be able to reach those who decide to remain in their homes immediately after the storm hits. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/hurricane-michael-builds-strength-as-it-closes-in-on-florida-coast).
