Category 3 Hurricane Isaias bears down on Florida Panhandle
Tropical storm conditions are reaching the northern Gulf Coast near Pensacola, Florida, as a major storm approaches. The system is expected to make landfall along the coastal region this evening. Life-threatening storm surge and devastating winds are forecasted for coastal communities.
The National Hurricane Center reported the storm was located about 90 miles south of Pensacola. It was moving toward the north-northeast at about 17 mph. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.
The 5 p.m. update stated the storm will likely remain dangerous at landfall. Life-threatening storm surge is expected from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Suwannee, Florida.
Forecasted storm surge levels include:
- AL/FL Border to Grayton Beach, FL: 6-9 ft
- Grayton Beach, FL to Indian Pass, FL: 4-7 ft
- Indian Pass, FL to Steinhatchee River, FL: 4-6 ft
- Dauphin Island, AL to AL/FL Border: 4-6 ft
- Steinhatchee River, FL to Suwannee River, FL: 3-5 ft
- Mouth of the Mississippi River, LA to Dauphin Island, AL: 3-5 ft
- Lower Mobile Bay: 3-5 ft
- Suwannee River, FL to Yankeetown, FL: 2-4 ft
- Upper Mobile Bay: 2-4 ft
Slight weakening is expected before landfall, according to the NHC. The agency said tornadoes are a threat for coastal Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia.
Watches and warnings are active across several coastal regions:
- Storm Surge Warning: Mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River
- Hurricane Warning: Ocean Springs, MS to the Bay/Gulf County Line, FL
- Tropical Storm Warning: Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish Line, LA to west of Ocean Springs, MS
- Tropical Storm Warning: East of Bay/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, FL
- Storm Surge Watch: Suwannee River to Yankeetown, FL
The National Hurricane Center tracks tropical weather systems to provide forecasts and severe weather advisories. The agency issues coastal warnings to help local communities prepare for major storm hazards.
Rainfall is expected to reach 4 to 8 inches across southern Alabama, southwest Georgia, and northern Florida. Localized rainfall totals could reach up to 15 inches in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region.
