Hurricane "Michael" hit Florida hard and caused extreme weather chaos and destruction in the northwest of the state. The National Hurricane Center spoke of a record-breaking storm in the region, with the exact magnitude of the impact on Thursday still unclear. The day before "Michael" hit the coast with wind speeds of 250 kilometers per hour.

In the northern district of Gadsden, according to a spokeswoman for the authorities, a person was killed. Disaster cause was therefore a fallen tree. It is the first confirmed death by Hurricane Michael.

In hundreds of thousands of households, the electricity was cut off. Florida Governor Rick Scott had search and rescue teams move out into the worst affected areas.

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Hurricane "Michael": At 250 kilometers per hour across Florida

When "Michael" hit the coast northwest of the small town of Mexico Beach on Wednesday afternoon (local time), the wind only needed two kilometers per hour of wind to be classified in the top five category. Shots from Mexico Beach showed extensive destruction, flooding and debris. Also on pictures from the city of Panama City Beach were leftovers, covered roofs and fallen trees to see.

Meteorologist Dennis Feltgen, of the National Hurricane Center, said it was the biggest hurricane since the weather records hit Florida's panhandle. As Panhandle (landing tip or literally Pfannenstiel) is called the northwestern tip of Florida.

"Michael" had gained tremendous strength in the past few days. The authorities had called on hundreds of thousands of people to go to safety. But many did not follow suit. Florida Governor Scott said he was disappointed.

Video: Why the weather is becoming more unpredictable

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BBC

On his move to the north, the storm has now weakened into a category one hurricane, but remained dangerous. On Wednesday evening (local time) he moved through the southwest of the state of Georgia. In some areas there were Tornadowarnungen. Civil Protection Agency Fema warned that "Michael" will also bring heavy rain to North and South Carolina. The two states are still further north.

It's extremely important to keep sheltering in a safe place and stay aware of #Michael continues to move inland! https://t.co/pGvp1bzxal

- FEMA (@fema) October 10, 2018

US President Donald Trump began his speech at an election campaign that evening to express his sympathy to the people in the affected areas. The "thoughts and prayers" of the entire nation are with them. Trump had previously stated that he did not want to cancel the campaign rally because he did not want to disappoint the people who had been waiting for it.

The President announced that he would visit the disaster area on Sunday or Monday. On a previous visit, he worries about getting in the way of helpers, Trump said.