10/09/2026
HURRICANE ISAIAS UPDATE 🌀⚠️ Everything you need to know is in this post before the storm makes landfall tonight in the Florida Panhandle. Here's the latest and what's new:
1 ) FIRST MAJOR HURRICANE OF 2026: Isaias reached Category 3, Major Hurricane status this morning with winds of 120 mph. According to the Hurricane Hunters as of 11 AM, however, strengthening has slowed and even halted for now.
2 ) LANDFALL TONIGHT: The official NHC forecast has a 115 MPH, Category 3 offshore of the Florida Panhandle by early this evening. In theory, with some weakening towards landfall, that would have it crossing the coast as a Category 2...which is still a powerful storm. I'm thinking the landfall will be around Navarre Beach tonight between 8 - 10 PM (Central). Worst surge near and especially east of the center, which includes Destin, Okaloosa Island (and Navarre Beach).
3 ) STORM SURGE: The forecast increased to 6 - 9 feet after the recent uptick in intensity this morning. Greatest surge will likely be from Alabama/Florida border to Grayton Beach, Florida. Life-threatening storm surge is expected, take it seriously. If told to evacuate, please do it!
4 ) FLORIDA EVACUATIONS: Mandatory evacuation orders include Escambia (Zones A and B), Santa Rosa (Zones A, B and now C), Okaloosa (coastal Zones A and B), Walton (Zones A, B and C), and designated parts of Franklin County, including barrier islands, Alligator Point, Bald Point, low-lying areas, mobile homes and RV parks. Bay County has voluntary evacuations for Zones A and B and mobile/manufactured homes. Wakulla County has a voluntary evacuation for Coastal Zone A. Check directly with county emergency management for any additional changes.
5 ) PEAK WIND: Destructive hurricane-force winds are expected in the hardest-hit areas closer to the eyewall. Gusts over 100 mph are possible, resulting in potential damage, falling trees and widespread power outages. Hurricane gusts could even extend as far as 100 miles inland into southern Alabama.
6 ) RAINFALL: Widespread totals of 3-7 inches are expected across Southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend and Southwestern Georgia. Isolated 10"+ with the potential for freshwater flooding.
7 ) TORNADOES: The tornado threat increases this afternoon and tonight, especially north and east of the center across the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and southern Georgia. The threat will spread across Georgia into the Carolinas Saturday. These tornadoes could develop quickly within hurricane rainbands. Have a way to receive tornado warnings!
Prayers for all in the path of the hurricane! 🙏