Hurricane Isaias Intensifies to 100 mph, Prompts Warnings Across Region

Residents across the eastern Florida Panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama, and southwestern Georgia must finalize hurricane preparations immediately as Hurricane Isaias has strengthened to 100 mph winds and is moving northeast at 12 mph. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee, FL, issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement today, October 8, at 5:35 PM EDT, upgrading warnings for several areas.

A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for Central Walton and North Walton counties. Coastal Bay and South Walton are under a Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning. Life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 7 feet is forecast for the coastal Panhandle to Indian Pass. Conditions are expected to deteriorate as early as Friday morning, October 9.

Considerable rainfall flooding of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals up to 15 inches, is expected, particularly in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend. A Flood Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. There is also a moderate chance for several tornadoes across the Florida Panhandle and western FL Big Bend on Friday into Saturday.

Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders from local officials, complete all preparations, and ensure they are in a safe location before strong winds or flooding begin. The next update is expected around 11 PM EDT tonight. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio, or local news outlets for official storm information.