Hurricane Isaias Weakens After Making Landfall in Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaias made landfall in the United States Gulf Coast, impacting Florida and Alabama before weakening into a post-tropical storm as it moved over southern Alabama. The storm left more than 664,000 customers without power due to downed trees and power lines. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Isaias was located approximately 89 km (55 miles) south-southwest of Montgomery, with maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h (65 mph). Upon making landfall near Destin, Florida, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 169 km/h (105 mph). Flooding was reported on roads in Destin, and police in Pensacola advised residents to avoid the streets due to debris. While the extent of the damage was not immediately assessed, residents shared images of downed trees and power lines, and a video showed a roof being torn off an inn in Pensacola. Emergency response efforts were temporarily suspended in some Panhandle counties due to hazardous conditions. Southern Alabama also experienced flooding, with officials in Mobile reporting similar issues. Over 664,000 customers in Florida and Alabama were without power early Saturday, according to poweroutage.com. A storm surge of 0.91-1.52 meters (3-5 feet) was anticipated from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Florida’s Aucilla River. The storm disrupted air travel, grounding flights at several airports, including Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. President Donald Trump stated that the hurricane was being monitored closely and was “under control.” Florida’s National Guard deployed around 5,000 personnel to assist with the response, and emergency declarations were approved in Florida and Alabama to facilitate federal resource availability. Meanwhile, another tropical storm, Rachel, was forecasted to bring strong winds and rain to northern Mexico and Southern California, while Hurricane Simon intensified into a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 225 km/h (140 mph), posing risks of heavy rainfall and mudslides in southwestern Mexico.