Hurricane Michael slammed the Florida Panhandle as a Category 4 storm Wednesday, making it the strongest storm since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 to hit the continental U.S.
The storm left destruction in its wake after coming ashore at the tiny town of Mexico Beach, Florida. Two deaths have been reported, neighborhoods were destroyed and hundreds of thousands were left without power. Hurricane Michael has since been downgraded to a tropical storm as it moves through Georgia and South Carolina.
The following are some of the harrowing scenes caused by Hurricane Michael.
Panama City takes a direct hit
Brian Bon inspects damage in the Panama City, Florida, downtown area after Hurricane Michael made landfall along Florida's Panhandle on Wed., Oct. 10.
Storm surge rages in Franklin County
Waves crash on stilt houses along the shore at Alligator Point in Franklin County, Florida.
Total destruction
Kathy Coy stands among what is left of her Panama City home after Hurricane Michael destroyed it. She said she was in the home when it was blown apart and is thankful to be alive.
Power outages and mass flooding
A vehicle sits partially submerged in floodwaters as a fallen electricity transmission tower lays on the ground in the background after Hurricane Michael hit in Panama City.
Cleaning up downed trees
People cut away a tree that fell on a vehicle in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Panama City.
Neighbors band together
Residents embrace in front of an apartment building after Hurricane Michael hit in Panama City.
Fallen houses
Rescue personnel perform a search in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla.
Taking in the devastation
Haley Nelson stands in front of what is left of her father's trailer home after Hurricane Michael passed through the Florida Panhandle.
Boat debris
In this aerial view, storm damaged boats are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Panama City, Florida.
A long recovery ahead
Amanda Logsdon begins the process of trying to clean up her home after the roof was blown off by Hurricane Michael.
Floodwaters in St. Marks
A resident of St. Marks, Florida, wades through floodwaters near his home.
The golden arches in tatters
A McDonald's sign was damaged by Hurricane Michael in Panama City Beach.
Businesses take a direct hit
Mike Lindsey stands in his Panama City antique shop after the winds from Hurricane Michael broke the windows.
Stars and stripes
An American flag battered by Hurricane Michael continues to fly in the rose-colored light of sunset Oct. 10 at Shell Point Beach in Crawfordville, Florida.
Boats destroyed
A warehouse of boats was damaged at Treasure Island Marina in Panama City Beach.
Picking up the pieces
A resident looks at belongings scattered on the floor at a home damaged by Hurricane Michael in Panama City.
Help needed!
Michael Williams, 70, waves to passing motorists while looking for food and water as downed trees prevent him from driving out of his damaged home with his family in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Springfield, Fla., "I don't know what I'm going to," said Williams.