Photos from the morning before landfall and the earliest hours after the storm’s arrival underscore why this is a storm to fear. Images show massive waves lapping up against piers and beachfront homes, structures collapsing, and early flooding that is a precursor to a possible 14 ft (4.25 meters) of expected storm surge.

A truck drives along a road that has been washed out in Alligator Point, Florida.
A truck drives along a road that has been washed out in Alligator Point, Florida.
Image: Reuters/Carlo Allegri
Panama City Beach, Florida, as Hurricane Michael approaches on Oct. 10.
Panama City Beach, Florida, as Hurricane Michael approaches on Oct. 10.
Image: Reuters/Jonathan Bachman
Waves crash along a pier in Panama City Beach.
Waves crash along a pier in Panama City Beach.
Image: Reuters/Jonathan Bachman
Palm trees battle intense wind in Panama City.
Palm trees battle intense wind in Panama City.
Image: WeatherNation vai Reuters
Hotel employees in Panama City Beach survey damage caused by the hurricane.
Hotel employees in Panama City Beach survey damage caused by the hurricane.
Image: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
Waves take over a house as Hurricane Michael comes ashore in Alligator Point.
Waves take over a house as Hurricane Michael comes ashore in Alligator Point.
Image: Reuters/Carlo Allegri

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