Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Southeast Alabama; Hurricane Isaias Strengthens

A Tropical Cyclone Local Statement issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tallahassee, FL, at 8:13 AM EDT on October 8, 2026, upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning for Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, and Houston counties in Southeast Alabama. Residents in these areas should finalize all preparations immediately.

Hurricane Isaias is located approximately 540 miles southwest of Panama City, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, moving east-northeast at 9 mph. Additional strengthening is anticipated through tonight, and Isaias may approach major hurricane strength before making landfall. Conditions are expected to deteriorate across the Florida Panhandle as early as Friday morning. A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning remain in effect for Coastal Bay and South Walton, with life-threatening inundation of 5 to 7 feet above normally dry ground forecast.

Forecast rainfall totals of 3 to 7 inches are expected across much of the area, with isolated amounts exceeding 10 inches, likely leading to flash and river flooding. A Flood Watch has been issued for counties west of the I-75 corridor and the Eastern FL Big Bend from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening. An elevated chance for tornadoes exists across the Florida Panhandle and Western FL Big Bend on Friday into Saturday, extending to Southeast AL & Southwest GA late Friday into Saturday.

Residents are urged to complete all preparations to protect life and property. If relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Keep cell phones charged and heed all evacuation orders. Never drive through flooded roadways. If a Tornado Warning is issued, shelter quickly in an interior room. Monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio, or local news for updates. The next NWS update will be around 11 AM ET.