Strong winds as Isaias makes landfall in Florida

Hurricane Isaias made landfall in northwestern Florida near Destin, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm surge, dangerous hurricane conditions, and flash flooding spread inland. After making landfall, Isaias weakened into a Category One hurricane but still posed a threat from storm surges and floods.

Power lines snapped, causing mandatory evacuations and business shutdowns in coastal communities. In Pensacola, winds ripped roofs from homes and businesses, snapping tree branches and causing intense winds that frightened residents like Jonathan Ramos. Nearly 380,000 people in Florida and over 210,000 in Alabama lost power as the storm hit the shore.

Florida's emergency services advised residents to shelter in place and watch for hurricane conditions across northern Florida. The National Hurricane Center warned of storm surge flooding along the Gulf Coast and potential river flooding due to heavy rainfall. Two airports in northwestern Florida suspended operations. Isaias' late arrival is largely attributed to an exceptionally strong El Niño, which creates strong vertical wind shear over the Atlantic, tearing storms apart.

However, in the Pacific, El Niño weakens shear, allowing storms to grow. Record warm Gulf waters, fueled by climate change, enabled Isaias to form and intensify rapidly. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis assured readiness for response, and President Donald Trump canceled a visit to an Alabama college football game due to the hurricane.

Mandatory evacuation orders were in effect in several Florida counties, but impacts were expected across the southeastern United States, with hurricane-force winds up to 160km inland.