Four dead as Isaias continues to push across the Southeast US, bringing strong winds and heavy rain

As Hurricane Isaias continued its inland journey across the Southeastern United States, it claimed at least four lives, authorities reported. The storm, which initially made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Destin in Florida's Panhandle, brought fierce winds of 105 mph before weakening into a post-tropical cyclone. Four fatalities were confirmed, with two in Florida's Escambia County and two in Alabama, according to US media.

The National Hurricane Center warned of persistent heavy rainfall and the looming threat of flash and urban flooding. Though Isaias had weakened, its effects were far from over, as swells from the storm were expected to persist along the Gulf coasts of the United States, Mexico, and western Cuba over the weekend. These swells posed a significant risk of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Tornadoes were also a possibility, with possible outbreaks across eastern Georgia and the Carolinas. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that over 430,000 customers remained without power as of early Sunday morning, though that number had since dropped to approximately 323,000. The primary concern in Florida had been the destructive power of high winds, which had caused trees to fall, damaged buildings, and scattered debris.

Videos circulating on social media showed torrential rain and extensive property damage, with some roofs torn off.