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