Hurricane Isaias leaves two dead and 800,000 without power in US Southeast

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on Friday evening as a Category 2 storm, causing widespread damage across Florida and Alabama. The storm has been blamed for two deaths: one in Birmingham, Alabama, when a tree fell on a house, and another in Escambia County, Florida, also due to a fallen tree. As of Saturday morning, over 800,000 electricity customers in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia were without power due to fallen trees and downed power lines. Officials are warning of continued flooding and the possibility of tornadoes in the affected areas.

Hurricane Isaias made landfall on Florida's panhandle as a Category 2 storm late Friday, resulting in two fatalities from falling trees in Florida and Alabama. Although Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone by Saturday, it continued to pose threats of heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes across the southeastern U.S. Over 868,000 customers were without power in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia as cleanup efforts began. Forecasters warned of considerable impacts, including flash flooding and potential landslides, particularly in southern Alabama, Florida's panhandle, and southwest Georgia. The storm, an unusually late-forming hurricane, brought intense winds and heavy rainfall to the Gulf coast.

Hurricane Isaias has intensified into a Category 3 storm with winds exceeding 193 kph (120 mph), posing a threat to the US Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall between Friday and Saturday along the coast, potentially bringing life-threatening conditions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of devastating damage from the major hurricane, with storm surge up to 2.7 meters (9 feet) and significant rainfall projected. While Isaias is forecast to weaken after landfall, the NHC urges immediate preparations for dangerous weather.

Hurricane Isaias strengthened to a Category 3 storm and is nearing the US Gulf coast, prompting states of emergency in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The hurricane is forecast to make landfall on Friday night along the Alabama-Florida line, bringing a life-threatening storm surge of up to 7 feet and waves as high as 30 feet. Damaging hurricane-force winds are expected in parts of the Florida panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi, with officials warning of long-duration power outages. Isaias could also bring heavy rain and tornadoes to coastal areas. In preparation, oil and gas producers have shut down significant offshore production, and evacuations are underway in some coastal communities.

Hurricane Isaias, the first of the Atlantic season, is intensifying and heading towards the US Gulf Coast. The storm is forecast to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday in the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi. Residents in these low-lying areas are vulnerable to flooding and storm surges. The National Hurricane Center warns of dangerous winds and torrential downpours, with rainfall totals expected to reach 3-6 inches, and isolated peaks up to 10 inches. Heavy rain and flash flooding also threaten inland areas throughout the weekend. Local governments have initiated school closures and shutdowns in anticipation of the storm's impact.

Hurricane Isaias has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane and is forecast to make landfall on the US Gulf coast late Friday or early Saturday. Millions of people from Louisiana to Florida are under hurricane and storm surge warnings. The National Weather Service warns of dangerous storm surge, hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, with potential for isolated tornadoes. Governors in Alabama and Florida have declared states of emergency for numerous counties, and some local evacuations have been ordered. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and strong winds to the central Gulf coast and southeastern US, with potential for long-duration power outages.

Tropical Storm Isaias formed off eastern Mexico and is forecast to become the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, potentially making landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast by Friday evening. The storm, which strengthened from Tropical Depression Nine, was located west of Progreso, Mexico, with sustained winds of 40 mph. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warn of dangerous, life-threatening impacts including wind and storm surge along the northern Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Communities in the potential path are preparing, with some oil wells pausing production and Florida's governor declaring a state of emergency for several counties. The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for a portion of the coast, indicating hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.