Hurricane Michael Latest: Panama City Posts Evacuation Map

Much of Panama City, Florida, is being evacuated over the threat of Hurricane Michael, which is forecast to potentially hit the state as a Category 3 major hurricane on Oct. 10.

The city of Panama City Beach-government wrote at around 3:30 p.m ET on Oct. 8: “Panama City Beach is under a mandatory evacuation of Zones A, B, and C. The order will be issued at 6 a.m. Tuesday. This has been issued by Bay County Emergency Services. Those who can evacuate today are encouraged to do so.”

About 120,000 people live in  Panama City Beach, Panama City, and Lynn Haven, which are listed as zones A, B, and C on the Bay County evacuation map.

Sheriff Tommy Ford said that people won’t be “dragged out their homes,” but he said that first responders might not be able to help people who are staying put, according to the News-Herald.

Hurricane Michael is slated to hit the Florida Panhandle Oct. 10. Ventusky / NOAA

“We’ve practiced this many times. This is game time. This is the real thing. This is a significant threat to life and safety,” Ford told the paper. “People need to start leaving now. The roads are going to get more and more congested as time goes on. I promise we will try to get people back in as soon as possible.”

Ford, Commissioner Bill Dozier, and Chief of Emergency Services in Bay County Mark Bowen called on people to get out of the area immediately, if possible.

“Prepare for your personal need. Stock up your water,” Dozier said. “If somebody was to stay here, they need to be able to take care of themselves for a period of time. ... Don’t expect the government to help take care of you. You need to take care of yourself.”

Area “A is closer to water, bayfront properties, lower-lying properties,” said Bowen. “A, B, and C folks need to leave. ... Anyone who can leave (Monday) should go on the road today. They should leave Bay County and go to a pre-designated place.”