coming inland and hitting destin beach, about to be put to the test. also, this is a key evacuation route. this is the destin bridge going west out of destin. this is route 98. i've talked to officials here who have said they have told everybody on the south side of this bridge, of this highway, which means everybody over here, in the low-lying areas, they have told everyone there to get out. right now, wolf, it's getting to be too late, because the first effects of the storm are a few hours away. tonight, after brushing past cuba with heavy rains and strong winds, a strengthening hurricane michael is now plowing toward florida. the panhandle is bracing for impact. >> hurricane michael is a massive storm that could bring total devastation to parts of our state. >> reporter: water along coastal inlets and roadways is already rising. last-minute preparations, sandbagging doorways, boarding up buildings, clearing the beaches, gassing up cars, and buying up supplies. >> we opened at 6:00. by 6:15, we sold out of every generator we had. >> reporter: this couple even