Dangerous Hurricane Isaias Nears Coast: Take Immediate Shelter

COFFEE, DALE, HENRY, GENEVA, HOUSTON, NORTH WALTON, CENTRAL WALTON, HOLMES, WASHINGTON, JACKSON, INLAND BAY, CALHOUN, INLAND GULF, INLAND FRANKLIN, GADSDEN, LEON, INLAND JEFFERSON, INLAND WAKULLA, SOUTH WALTON, COASTAL BAY, COASTAL GULF, COASTAL FRANKLIN, COASTAL JEFFERSON, COASTAL WAKULLA, COASTAL TAYLOR, COASTAL DIXIE, NORTHERN LIBERTY, SOUTHERN LIBERTY, QUITMAN, CLAY, RANDOLPH, CALHOUN, TERRELL, DOUGHERTY, LEE, WORTH, EARLY, MILLER, BAKER, MITCHELL, COLQUITT, SEMINOLE, DECATUR, GRADY, THOMAS COUNTIES — Conditions are rapidly deteriorating as Hurricane Isaias, a dangerous major hurricane with 115 mph winds, approaches the Florida Panhandle. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tallahassee FL has issued a Tropical Cyclone Local Statement at 5:32 PM EDT, October 9, urging immediate action for residents in the affected areas.

Landfall is anticipated this evening along the Western Florida Panhandle. Residents in Storm Surge and Hurricane Warning areas, including Coastal Bay and South Walton, should have completed all preparations and remain sheltered. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for Central Walton, Coffee, Geneva, Holmes, Inland Bay, North Walton, and Washington counties.

Life-threatening storm surge of 6 to 9 feet above normally dry ground is forecast for the coastal Panhandle to Grayton Beach. Widespread power outages are expected.

Heavy rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with localized totals up to 15 inches, is expected, leading to a high risk of flash flooding and possible river flooding. A Flood Watch remains in effect through Saturday evening.

A heightened tornado risk is present this evening through tonight for the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, extending into Southeast Alabama and Southwest Georgia late tonight into Saturday. Several tornadoes, some potentially strong, are possible.

The NWS advises staying indoors and away from windows. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone, and flashlight ready. Do not venture outside if there is a temporary lull in the storm, as conditions will become dangerous again. If a tornado warning is issued, move quickly to the safest interior part of your shelter.

The next update from the National Weather Service in Tallahassee FL is expected around 12 AM EDT or sooner if conditions warrant. For more information, visit ready.gov or redcross.org.