Hurricane Isaias Hits Florida
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 storm before weakening to a post-tropical cyclone. Tragically, one person was killed by a fallen tree in Florida, and another died in Alabama after a tree fell onto a house in Birmingham. Over 900,000 power outages have occurred nationwide due to the storm. Although Isaias is expected to continue weakening as it moves through Alabama toward Tennessee, it may still bring gusty winds. Flooding and widespread rainfall also pose risks in Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle, with possible tornadoes in these areas and the Carolinas. Isaias marks the first hurricane of an unusually quiet Atlantic season.
President Trump Cancels Game Attendance
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will not attend the Alabama-Georgia football game in Tuscaloosa due to the hurricane. He emphasized the importance of allowing first responders and law enforcement to focus on the storm’s impact rather than on the safety and presence of the President.
Tallahassee Airport Remains Operational
Tallahassee International Airport, a key hub for Florida’s capital city and the Big Bend region, remains open and fully operational. The site is also serving as a staging area for hurricane recovery efforts with the involvement of the Florida National Guard, State Emergency Operations Center, State Guard, and AT&T Disaster Services.
Tropical Storm Rachel and Hurricane Simon Updates
Tropical Storm Rachel is quickly advancing northeast toward Baja California, Mexico, potentially making landfall and producing winds up to 60 miles per hour. It could reach Southern California, affecting San Diego and Orange County, with showers and strong winds, leading Long Beach to issue a mandatory evacuation order. Newport Beach has also declared a local emergency due to coastal flooding.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Simon, a Category 4 hurricane, is intensifying as it heads toward Mexico’s Pacific coast. Manzanillo, a major port city, closed beaches in preparation for Simon’s potential landfall.
Wedding Postponed Due to Isaias
Blake and Barbara White postponed their wedding near Destin, Florida, in response to Hurricane Isaias. NBC News interviewed the couple regarding their decision and their journey back home.
Alabama Sheriff’s Deputy Incident
In Alabama, a Dale County sheriff’s deputy was pinned under a fallen tree on a roadway. The incident, captured on video, showed responders aiding a driver when the tree fell on their SUV. The deputy sustained minor injuries and has returned home.
Hotel Roof Damaged in Pensacola
Strong winds from the storm tore off large sheets of roofing material at the Rest and Relax Inn in Pensacola, Florida. The footage, shared on Instagram, showed debris being scattered by the wind. The hotel, usually known for its convenient beach access, temporarily closed due to the damage.
Damage Reports from Pensacola
In Pensacola, homes suffered significant damage due to fallen trees that collapsed structures as Isaias moved through Alabama and into the Tennessee Valley.
Further Casualties and Warnings
A second storm-related death in Alabama occurred when a tree fell on a house in Birmingham. Emergency management is addressing countywide concerns like power outages and debris clearance. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has warned of potential spinoff tornadoes, strong winds, and heavy rains, urging residents to stay informed.
Continued Flooding Threat in Florida
Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized ongoing flooding threats after Isaias left the state. Wind gusts reached 116 mph near Santa Rosa Sound with sustained winds weakening to 35 mph. Forecasted rain totals could reach up to eight inches, keeping flood risks high throughout the weekend.
Florida Fatality Due to Falling Tree
A person in Pensacola was fatally injured by a fallen tree during Hurricane Isaias. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident after fire rescue located the unresponsive victim pinned under the tree.
Isaias Weakening and Flash Flooding Risks
The National Hurricane Center reported a drop in Isaias’ wind speeds to 35 mph. The storm’s weakening is expected to continue, yet flash flooding risks remain high with predicted rainfall from four to eight inches across affected areas including Alabama and Georgia.
Power Outages from the Storm
Late-night power outages affected nearly 872,144 users across the country, with Florida and Alabama seeing the most significant impact. Georgia, anticipated to be impacted, had more than 93,000 without power.
Isaias Becomes a Post-Tropical Cyclone
Isaias transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. Moving through southern Alabama, it will continue affecting regions with gusty winds and a possible storm surge.
Initial Landfall in Florida
Hurricane Isaias initially landed near Destin, Florida, with winds reaching 105 mph. Classified as a Category 2 hurricane at landfall, it continues to affect a wide area as it travels inland.
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