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Oct 13, 2018 - Science

Hurricane Michael's death toll keeps rising as scale of damage is revealed

Michael Sykes
Boats damaged by Hurricane Michael

Boats damaged by Hurricane Michael. Photo: Mark Wallhesier/Getty Images

Hurricane Michael was one of the strongest hurricanes in U.S. history, slamming the Florida Panhandle and completely altering the landscape — particularly between Panama City and Apalachicola.

The impact: The hurricane's death toll reached 17 on Friday, CNN reports. Satellite images from the storm show winds were strong enough to rip homes out of their foundations and demolish structures completely. Rescue helicopters with first responders were searching through what remains of Mexico Beach pier.

Homes on Mexico Beach torn apart by the storm. Satellite images ©2018 DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company.
Downtown Panama City where piers and homes were ripped apart after Hurricane Michael. Satellite images ©2018 DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company.
Tyndall Air Force Base was ravaged by the storm. Satellite images ©2018 DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company.
A look at East Panama City before and after Hurricane Michael. Satellite images ©2018 DigitalGlobe, a Maxar company.
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