Hurricane Isaias Strikes Florida, Threatening Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaias made landfall in Florida’s western Panhandle on Friday evening as a Category 2 storm, with winds of 110 mph (175 kph). Forecasters warned that it could bring life-threatening storm surge, flooding of up to nine feet (2.7 metres) in some places, heavy rain and damaging winds. The storm was forecast to cross Alabama and move into the Tennessee Valley over the weekend, while tornadoes were also possible. Hurricane-force winds extended up to 35 miles from its centre, and tropical-storm-force winds reached as far as 205 miles. Florida and Alabama ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas, and Florida, Alabama and Georgia declared states of emergency. Florida Senator Rick Scott urged people in evacuation zones to leave immediately; Alabama Governor Kay Ivey ordered non-residents, tourists and visitors out of counties expected to be heavily affected. National Weather Service meteorologist Melissa Watson advised people to monitor warnings, move to higher ground near the coast, and stay inside rather than go out to document damage. Power outages were already widespread before landfall, affecting more than 350,000 people in Florida and 170,000 in Alabama, with about 8,000 Georgia customers also without power. Some residents nevertheless chose to remain in their homes. Navarre resident John Guoth said he had secured loose objects and moved his ducks and chickens indoors, while Pensacola resident Brandin Ruth described preparations at local buildings and cautioned against underestimating the storm. Waffle House closed some locations in Isaias’s path. President Donald Trump also changed plans to attend a college football game in Alabama because of the hurricane. The article notes that Isaias was the Atlantic hurricane season’s first hurricane and that no hurricane had formed this late in the season for more than 30 years. Two other Pacific storms were affecting North America: Hurricane Simon was forecast to strengthen before approaching Mexico, while Tropical Storm Rachel was bringing high tides and coastal flooding to Southern California, including Newport Beach, where officials warned people to avoid flooded streets.

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on Friday evening as a Category 2 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). It was the first hurricane of the Atlantic season. The NHC warned that life-threatening storm surge could affect the Gulf Coast, while dangerous hurricane conditions and flash flooding spread inland. The storm also brought extreme winds and prompted a tornado watch covering parts of Florida and southern Georgia. Isaias had been a strong Category 3 storm before landfall and later weakened to Category 1. The NHC reported maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour (165 kilometers per hour). The Florida Division of Emergency Management extended the tornado watch for parts of North Florida until at least 6 a.m. local time on Saturday. Trees were reported down in Pensacola, and evacuations took place in coastal communities. All flights at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport were canceled. Florida, Georgia and Alabama declared states of emergency. US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said emergency declarations had been approved in Florida and Alabama to make federal resources available. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to stay off the roads and shelter in place. State Attorney General James Uthmeier warned that looting and other crimes during the emergency could be prosecuted as first-degree felonies, carrying penalties of up to 30 years in prison. About 480,000 customers across Florida, Georgia and Alabama were without electricity by Friday evening, according to PowerOutage.com. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said companies including Uber, Comcast and Home Depot had offered assistance. Uber was providing free round-trip rides to state-approved evacuation shelters in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Hurricane Isaias weakened to a Category 1 storm after making landfall near Destin, Florida, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The report, dated Oct 9, says the storm had maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (150 kph) and was located about 65 miles (105 km) west-northwest of Panama City in the NHC’s latest advisory. Although its winds had diminished after landfall, the NHC warned that the storm remained dangerous. It forecast a life-threatening storm surge along the Gulf Coast, continued hurricane conditions, and flash flooding as the system moved inland. Isaias was expected to cross Alabama and enter the Tennessee Valley over the weekend. The storm also caused widespread power outages. Poweroutage.us reported that nearly 380,000 people in Florida and more than 210,000 in Alabama were without electricity as Isaias reached shore. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said emergency declarations had been approved in both states to make federal resources available for the response. Florida emergency services urged residents to shelter in place and remain alert for hurricane conditions across the northern part of the state. The article notes that Isaias had reached land as a Category 2 storm before weakening. Overall, it reports on the storm’s reduced strength while emphasizing that storm surge, flooding, hazardous conditions inland, and disrupted power continued to pose serious risks.