Hurricane Michael hits home for University of Dayton student

DAYTON — Hurricane Michael has hit home for one University of Dayton student, literally.

Tate Hagan’s home is an hour and a half away from the hardest hit part of the state, Panama City Beach, Florida.

>>Hurricane Michael live updates: ‘Looks like an atomic bomb had hit,’ survivors sift through rubble

Hagan grew up in Tallahassee, but visited Panama City’s beaches often, and says it’ been difficult knowing he’s more than 700 miles away.

"Being up here so far away, all I can do is watch it on TV," Hagan told News Center 7's John Bedell. "I want to make sure everybody's OK. Friends and family, so that's been a little weird not being at home."

Hagan’s mom evacuated as the storm approached, but his father, step-mother and brother have been riding it out at home.

"They knew it was going to be OK to stay but they are out of power -- had to go get a lot of food, a lot of water to last without probably four, five days without power."

>>Photos: Hurricane Michael leaves behind path of destruction

Hagan’s father said tree damage has turned their home into an island, and they’d have to cut their way out.

For Hagan, he says it’s been a relief knowing his family is safe, and has been calling every day to make sure they are OK.