Destin, Florida, October 10 (TNA) Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin in Florida’s Panhandle late Friday as a powerful Category 2 storm, packing maximum sustained winds of around 105 mph and triggering dangerous storm surge, torrential rain and widespread flooding.
The hurricane’s centre reached the coast at around 9:30 pm local time, according to the National Hurricane Centre. Isaias was the first storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season to reach hurricane strength.
Authorities warned of life-threatening conditions across the Panhandle, southern Alabama and parts of southern Mississippi as the storm brought hurricane-force winds, rising water levels and heavy rain. Wind gusts near 120 mph were possible in parts of the affected region, particularly close to the storm’s centre and east of its landfall location.
A storm surge of up to nine feet was forecast along parts of the Florida coast, especially from the Santa Rosa-Okaloosa county line to Grayton Beach. Other coastal areas were warned to expect surges of up to six feet.
The hurricane also produced torrential rainfall, with several inches expected across the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and adjoining states. Forecasters warned that the downpour could trigger flash flooding, urban flooding and isolated river flooding.
Tornado alerts were issued for parts of the Florida Panhandle and Georgia as the storm moved inland. Officials urged residents who had not evacuated to shelter in safe rooms and prepare for possible prolonged power outages.
Evacuation orders were issued for several low-lying and coastal communities ahead of the storm. Emergency services remained on alert as flooding and strong winds threatened roads, homes, businesses and power infrastructure.
Although Isaias weakened after making landfall, authorities cautioned that dangerous conditions could continue for several hours because of residual winds, storm surge and heavy rainfall.