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This NOAA/RAMMB satellite image taken on October 8, 2018 at 16:45 UTC shows Hurricane Michael off the US Gulf Coast. Image Credit: AFP

Dubai: The UAE Consulate in New York City issued a weather alert to citizens over the Category 3 hurricane that is likely to hit the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday.

UAE authorities warned Emiratis to follow evacuation procedures, and urged citizens to contact the consulate in the event of an emergency. 

On its Twitter page, the UAE Consulate in New York City, said: “Attention: UAE citizens in Florida, Hurricane Michael is strengthening and expected to make landfall in the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Stay tuned to local news for safety instructions and evacuation procedures. For emergencies, please call 911 and do not hesitate to call the consulate at +1 646 630 2575 for further assistance.” 

On Monday night, the hurricane was nearing in on Cuba and forecast to push through the Gulf of Mexico before moving inland over the northern Gulf Coast of Florida, the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said.

The Category 1 hurricane is expected to turn into a violent Category 3 hurricane — with the power to uproot trees, block roads and knock out power for days — by the time it hits Florida on Wednesday, before moving across the southeastern United States through Thursday.

The US National Hurricane Centre warned residents in Florida’s Gulf Coast to prepare for “life-threatening” winds, and said that Hurricane Michael is likely to produce heavy rain and flash floods in parts of western Cuba and northeastern Mexico during the next few days.