Hurricane Isaias Kills Four and Cuts Power Across Southeast US

Hurricane Isaias killed four people and left hundreds of thousands without electricity after striking the Florida Panhandle and moving across the Southeast, causing destructive winds, heavy rain and flooding. The storm made landfall near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 hurricane before weakening inland.

According to BBC and CBS News, two deaths occurred in Florida and two in Alabama. Power outage trackers cited by the outlets showed hundreds of thousands of customers without service, while officials warned that flooding and severe weather threats would continue.

Weather reports said Isaias reached Florida with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and produced stronger gusts in some areas. The storm damaged homes, businesses, roads and infrastructure across Florida, Alabama and neighboring states.

The National Hurricane Center and weather officials reported continued risks from heavy rain, strong winds and possible tornadoes as the weakened system moved northeast. Some areas recorded more than 10 inches of rainfall, according to weather reports.

Florida officials described ongoing hazards after the storm moved inland. Governor Ron DeSantis warned conditions remained dangerous as flooding continued.

"Although the center of the storm has moved out of Florida, the threat of flooding remains," said Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida.

Authorities in Florida reported two deaths in Escambia County, including a woman killed after a tree fell onto her home. Officials also said a man died after a generator was used in an enclosed garage, causing carbon monoxide poisoning concerns.

Rescue crews responded to flood emergencies across the state. The Florida National Guard said soldiers reached a stranded vehicle after water covered roads.

"Stopped, swam to the vehicle and pulled its occupants to safety," said the Florida National Guard in a statement.

In Alabama, officials confirmed two storm-related deaths and warned residents about additional dangers during cleanup. Governor Kay Ivey said falling trees and severe weather created hazardous conditions.

"Unfortunately, we have also learned that two Alabamians have lost their lives. I am praying for their loved ones this morning," said Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama.

"Fellow Alabamians, please continue being smart today as cleanup continues. Safety for y'all is the main thing today," said Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama.

Residents across the Florida Panhandle described extensive property damage after roofs, trees and other structures were torn apart by strong winds.

"I looked and I took a step around and I was like, 'That was our roof, oh my God,'" said Jayme Mitich, a Florida resident.

Other residents described the fear during the storm and efforts to recover afterward.

"We boarded the windows and everything was good," said Tamara Stamm, a Florida resident.

"We heard a few things hit the boards, so that was a little bit scary," said Danielle Pagan, a Florida resident.

Officials in Charleston, South Carolina, also urged caution as high tides and flooding risks remained. The city warned drivers about reduced visibility after dark.

"After dark, floodwater is much harder to see and it's impossible to judge how deep it is from behind the wheel," said Charleston officials.