Hurricane Isaias Hits Gulf Coast With Destructive Winds

Hurricane Isaias reached the Gulf Coast near the Alabama-Florida state line late Friday, October 9, 2026, bringing destructive winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surge to Florida, Alabama and nearby areas as officials ordered evacuations and residents sheltered from the Category 2 storm.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Isaias approached landfall with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph after earlier reaching Category 3 strength with winds of 115 mph. More than 365,000 customers in Florida and Alabama lost power as the storm moved ashore.

The storm produced extreme conditions across the Florida Panhandle, where wind gusts reached 116 mph in Santa Rosa Beach. Officials also warned of flooding, tornado risks and storm surge, while airports, bridges and rail services faced disruptions.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for parts of Okaloosa County, Florida, after areas received 4 to 7 inches of rain with rainfall rates of 3 to 5 inches per hour.

CNN reporter Isabel Rosales described conditions in Gulf Shores, Alabama, as the storm approached.

"That rainfall has let up, these winds have not," said Isabel Rosales.

The National Weather Service warned residents in the affected flood area about severe conditions.

"This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION," said the National Weather Service.

The National Hurricane Center said little change in strength was expected before landfall and forecast weakening afterward.

"Little change in strength is expected before Isaias makes landfall this evening." the National Hurricane Center said.

The agency also described the expected transition after the storm crossed land.

"Weakening is expected to begin tonight after landfall, and Isaias is forecast to become post-tropical on Saturday." the National Hurricane Center said.

President Donald Trump canceled plans to attend the Alabama football game because officials were managing storm response efforts.

"It is important to have our wonderful First Responders, Law Enforcement, and others, focused on that Storm, and in no way be thinking about the safety, or presence, of the President of the United States, ME!" Donald Trump said.

Earlier, Trump had discussed attending the game before reconsidering due to emergency conditions.

"I love Alabama. I got to go to a game like that," Donald Trump said.

"if there's an emergency." Donald Trump said.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a hotline for reports of illegal price increases on essential goods during the storm.

"unconscionable increases in prices" James Uthmeier said.

Uthmeier said enforcement would continue during hurricane impacts and recovery efforts.

"Protecting Floridians isn't a seasonal job. Whether it's a storm, a scam, or a greedy corporation, our office will enforce the law." James Uthmeier said.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves warned residents that the state could still face storm effects despite the projected landfall location.

"stay vigilant" Tate Reeves said.

Reeves also described expected storm surge and flooding risks in Mississippi.

"We are still expected to receive some effects from the hurricane including 3-5' of storm surge in and around Biloxi through Jackson County and a strong risk of flash flooding throughout the eastern part of our state," Tate Reeves said.

"Continue to stay vigilant and weather aware, Mississippi!" Tate Reeves said.

The National Weather Service warned tornado threats would be greatest east of the storm center.

"The greatest risk will be east of the center, particularly across the Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia," the National Weather Service said.

National Hurricane Center deputy director Jamie Rhome urged residents to prepare as conditions deteriorated.

"Things are going to get really really treacherous over the next couple hours," Jamie Rhome said.