Isaias Leaves Four Dead and Widespread Damage After Gulf Coast Landfall
Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone after making landfall near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 hurricane on Friday, but officials continued to warn of flooding and strong winds across the southeastern United States.
At least four deaths were linked to the storm. Two people were killed when trees fell onto homes in Florida and Alabama. By midday Saturday, nearly 700,000 customers were without power. The storm also damaged rooftops, brought down trees and power lines, and flooded roads.
In Pensacola, hurricane-force winds tore the roof from a hotel, while Mayor D.C. Reeves reported damage at the airport and power outages downtown. Gas stations in East Milton and Destin sustained damage, and a condominium in Panama City was affected. In Alabama, officials reported flooding, fallen trees and road closures.
Early Saturday, the National Hurricane Center placed Isaias about 40 kilometres south-southwest of Montgomery, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometres per hour. Forecasters expected it to move toward the Tennessee Valley later in the weekend. Although tropical storm surge warnings had been discontinued, high-wind warnings remained in effect in parts of the Southeast. Forecasters also warned of possible flash flooding and tornadoes as the system moved inland.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said state roads were open and officials had received no search-and-rescue requests. He cautioned that flooding could develop after the storm had passed.
The article identifies Isaias as the Atlantic season’s first hurricane. It says unusually warm Gulf of Mexico waters helped fuel its rapid intensification, while favourable atmospheric conditions supported its formation. Stronger upper-level winds before landfall caused it to weaken and spread damaging winds over a wider area.
Elsewhere, Hurricane Simon strengthened in the Pacific as it approached Mexico, while Tropical Storm Rachel was expected to bring rain and wind to northern Mexico and Southern California.