Hurricane Michael

On behalf of the DoSomething.org staff and our 6 million members, we are thinking of everyone affected by Hurricane Michael and hoping you are safe.

UPDATES (10/11, 4PM)

• Hurricane Michael caused massive damage across the southeastern coast of the United States, leaving 6 people dead.
• As of writing, Hurricane Michael has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia have declared states of emergency.
• Tropical-storm-force (39-plus mph) winds are likely to happen in the Carolinas into Thursday night or Friday. These winds are capable of downing trees and triggering additional power outages in these areas.
• The eye of Michael is has reached North Carolina with rain hitting Upstate South Carolina to Virginia and West Virginia.

The Situation

• Hurricane Michael intensified overnight to a category 4 storm. It is projected to be the worst storm to hit the Florida panhandle in recent history. The storm surge could hit up to 14 feet. Check out the areas that could be affected by this surge.
• Governors in three states (Florida, Georgia, and Alabama) have declared states of emergency, with a mandatory evacuation order along the coast.
• The eye of the storm hit land this afternoon close to Mexico Beach, Florida. It will impact Florida and Alabama before moving north to Georgia and the Carolinas.

How To Get Help If You’re Affected By The Storm

As Florida Governor Rick Scott, tweeted, “First responders will not be able to come out in the middle of the storm. If you chose to stay in an evacuation zone, you must SEEK REFUGE IMMEDIATELY.”

Links to state-specific emergency sites:

• South Carolina
• North Carolina

Here are links to open shelters in three affected states:

• Shelters in Georgia
• Shelters in Florida
• Shelters in Alabama

How To Help Those Affected By The Storm.

Research shows that the most important thing for natural disaster relief to donate is not clothing or food, but money. Charity Navigator has made it easy to know which organizations are the best for donating during Hurricane Michael. If you have a few dollars to spare, consider giving to these organizations (and if not, share this article with friends and family who may be able to support).

Check back on this page and keep an eye on your inbox. Sign up for our Hurricane Response campaign, where we’ll post more updates and other ways you can Do Something for people affected by the storm.