Hurricane Isaias leaves thousands without power across Florida and Alabama

Remnants of Isaias knocked out electricity for nearly 396,000 customers across the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama. The outages hit early Sunday as heavy rain moved toward the central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic region. Scattered power loss remained a threat across the southeastern United States, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency warned of isolated flash flooding and strong wind gusts. Fallen trees and downed lines added to the danger. Life-threatening surf conditions continued along the Gulf and southeastern Atlantic coasts.

At least four deaths were linked to the storm. Fallen trees crushed homes in Florida and Alabama. Forecasters warned that flooding could stretch into the Appalachians.

The system hit land Friday as a Category 2 hurricane near Destin, Florida. The Gulf Coast tourist spot holds many high-rises and shops. Major coastal roads reopened by daybreak Saturday.

Winds ripped the roof off a Pensacola hotel. The city’s mayor said the airport “took some damage.” In Destin, winds flattened a boathouse.

The storm tore away part of a high-rise facade in Panama City Beach. Workers cleaned building insulation from a condominium parking lot. Others gathered scattered beach chairs.

In Florida’s Escambia County, Sheriff Chip Simmons said a falling tree killed a woman in her home. A man died from generator fumes in his garage. Four family members received medical treatment, Simmons said.

The system moved into Alabama with tropical-force winds. A falling tree killed one person in Birmingham, said Fire Chief Cory Moon. A motor vehicle crash involving a downed tree killed another person in Barbour County, said Josh Johnson of the state emergency management agency.

In Mobile, authorities reported numerous downed trees and power lines. President Donald Trump approved federal emergency declarations for Florida, Alabama and Georgia. The U.S. Energy Department authorized emergency crude oil exchanges from the strategic reserve.

In the Pacific, Simon approached the coast of Mexico with 155 mph winds. The storm threatened life-threatening flooding and mudslides starting Sunday. Tropical Storm Rachel also headed toward northern Mexico and Southern California.

Emergency management agencies coordinate disaster relief efforts following severe storms. They assess structural damage and clear debris from major transit routes. Federal declarations allow impacted regions to request outside funding.

Parts of Georgia and the Carolinas faced heavy rain and flash floods. Destin and surrounding coastal communities continued cleanup efforts on Sunday.