Hurricane Isaias updates: Category 2 storm makes landfall in Florida Panhandle
Hurricane Isaias came ashore on Florida’s Gulf Coast Friday night as a strong Category 2 hurricane. Coastal communities were preparing for hazardous winds and flooding.
Hurricane warnings covered a stretch from near Biloxi, Mississippi, through parts of Alabama and Florida to Mexico Beach. Officials also warned of coastal storm surge.
Forecasters expected water levels to rise as much as 9 feet between the Santa Rosa–Okaloosa County line and Grayton Beach in Florida.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said about 260,000 utility accounts in the region had lost power. Crews were ready to restore service once conditions allowed.
State transportation workers and search-and-rescue teams were scheduled to start mobilizing early Saturday. The National Weather Service said dangerous conditions and flash flooding were spreading inland.
Key points
- Isaias made landfall Friday night as a strong Category 2 hurricane.
- Storm surge warnings covered parts of the Gulf Coast, with forecasts reaching up to 9 feet in one Florida area.
- About 260,000 utility accounts were without power; response teams planned to mobilize Saturday.