Hurricane Michael could reach category three strength before it arrives in the Sunshine State, possibly on Wednesday, and will then move up the US East Coast.

Michael, the 13th named storm of the season, is already hitting Cuba with strong winds and heavy rains.

Parts of Florida may receive up to 12in of rain, leading to the possibility of severe flooding and in preparation, governor Rick Scott issued a state of emergency for 26 counties of Florida on Sunday.

"This storm will be life-threatening and extremely dangerous," said Scott after he received a briefing at the state’s emergency management centre.

North Carolina is predicted to receive 1-3in (2-7cm) of rainfall which could trigger flash flooding due to the existing level of saturation in the ground from Hurricane Florence, which struck North and South Carolina last month.

Michael’s current wind speeds are 75mph (120km/h) with the storm approaching the US at a pace of 7mph.

Forecasters with the US National Hurricane Center in Miami have warned the hurricane will continue to move over warm waters, which may cause it to generate winds reaching 111mph by tonight night (October 9).