Hundreds of thousands without power after Isaias slams the Florida Panhandle and Alabama

Life-threatening Hurricane Isaias made landfall in Florida, bringing devastating winds and the potential for massive flooding. The Category 2 hurricane, with winds of 110 mph (175 kph), forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Florida, Alabama, and Georgia declared states of emergency as storm surges of up to 9 feet (2.7m) were predicted.

Florida and Alabama implemented mandatory evacuations, particularly in coastal areas. Florida Senator Rick Scott urged residents in designated zones to evacuate immediately, emphasizing the urgency in a social media post. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey ordered mandatory evacuations for non-residents, tourists, and visitors in key counties.

The National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening storm surges along the US Gulf Coast. After making landfall, Isaias moved into Alabama and the Tennessee Valley over the weekend. The storm's center had hurricane-force winds extending 35 miles (55 km) and tropical storm-force winds up to 205 miles (335 km). The Florida Panhandle and the entire US Gulf Coast faced fierce winds and heavy rain.

Tornadoes were also a possibility. Many areas in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia already had over 350,000 people without power as of the hurricane's landfall. Despite previous experience with hurricanes, residents in the affected areas were advised to take the storm seriously and follow evacuation orders. The Waffle House chain closed several locations in the storm's path, and Tropical Storm Rachel threatened California's Pacific coast.