Evacuations were underway in Florida on Thursday night as Hurricane Isaias rapidly intensified into a Category 2 storm and barreled toward the state's Gulf Coast. A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, with mandatory evacuation orders issued for some coastal areas.
Mayor Bobby Wagner of Destin, Florida, emphasized the implications of mandatory evacuations, stating on social media that residents who choose to stay would be on their own, without access to emergency services until the storm passes. "No police, no fire, no EMS," he wrote.
Hurricane Isaias, which had sustained winds up to 105 mph according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), was forecast to continue gaining strength and potentially reach major hurricane status, defined as Category 3 or stronger with winds of at least 111 mph, by early Friday before weakening later in the night. Despite potential weakening, the storm's wind field was expected to expand, bringing dangerous impacts beyond its center.
Florida airports were scheduled to close ahead of the storm, and Amtrak services faced disruptions in parts of Louisiana and Alabama. Forecasters warned that coastal areas could experience up to seven feet of storm surge, 15 inches of rain, and the possibility of brief tornadoes. The NHC also projected flooding, power outages, and downed trees.
"Damaging hurricane force winds are expected over portions of Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi," the NHC stated, advising residents in these areas to prepare for potential long-duration power outages. The storm's intensification is fueled by deep pockets of heat in the ocean. The NHC also cautioned about the possibility of considerable flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding.
In preparation for the storm, residents stocked up on essential supplies and fuel. Energy companies such as Chevron and Shell began shutting down production at some offshore facilities and evacuating workers. Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, were coordinating with state and local partners to provide support for response efforts. Secretary Markwayne Mullin urged residents to "take this storm seriously, look out for your neighbors, and stay safe."
