Hurricane Isaias Florida Landfall: Nearly 800K Without Power

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on Friday evening, October 9, 2026, as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. The first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season brought flooding, damaging winds, and widespread power outages to the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama, and nearly 800,000 people were without electricity by Saturday night.

What is Hurricane Isaias and how did it develop?

Hurricane Isaias formed in the Gulf of Mexico and intensified rapidly before striking the Florida coast. The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season had been unusually quiet until Isaias, which tied a record as one of the two latest-forming Atlantic hurricanes. Weather officials said Isaias briefly reached Category 3 strength before weakening to a Category 2 at landfall.

According to The Guardian, governors of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida declared states of emergency and urged coastal residents to evacuate ahead of the storm.

Where did Hurricane Isaias make landfall?

Isaias came ashore near Destin, Florida, at about 8:30 p.m. CDT on October 9. Wind gusts reached 116 mph in Santa Rosa Sound, 102 mph in Pensacola and 97 mph in Gulf Breeze, according to Weather.com.

In Destin, streets were flooded. In nearby Pensacola, trees were blown over and hit power lines. Videos shared on social media showed the full roof of a hotel being ripped off by the wind. Southern Alabama also suffered damage, with downed trees blocking roads and power lines damaged. Ahead of the storm, many shops and homes in the Panhandle had been boarded up as a precaution against water and wind damage.

Power outages climbed to nearly 800,000 customers in Florida and Alabama on Saturday night, with some estimates later topping 835,000 across the Southeast, according to AccuWeather.

Key impacts at a glance

• Maximum sustained winds: 105 mph (Category 2)
• Peak gust: 116 mph in Santa Rosa Sound
• Storm surge: 6 to 10 feet along the Alabama coast and western Florida Panhandle
• Rainfall: 8 to 12 inches, with a local maximum of 25 inches
• Power outages: nearly 800,000 customers in Florida and Alabama

What are the current impacts and warnings?

Although Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone, the danger is not over. Governor Ron DeSantis warned residents to stay off the roads due to flooding and strong winds. "Stay off the roads and shelter in place," he urged.

Meteorologists expect another 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) of rain across Florida, Alabama and Georgia this weekend. Flash flood warnings remain in effect, and the Florida power outage crisis could last for days in some areas, officials warned.

The National Hurricane Center also warned of the risk of isolated tornadoes across Georgia, the eastern Florida Panhandle and the Carolinas on Saturday. The storm is expected to track north across Alabama into the Tennessee Valley before dissipating.

How are officials responding?

Florida deployed roughly 5,000 National Guard members, grounded flights and readied rescue vessels, The Guardian reported. President Trump said the situation was "under control," and federal emergency declarations were approved for Florida and Alabama.

Oil producers shut down offshore Gulf production as a precaution, and dozens of Waffle House restaurants closed — a sign that the storm was severe enough to disrupt even everyday commerce. Federal disaster relief funding has been approved to support recovery efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hurricane Isaias?

Hurricane Isaias was the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, making landfall in Florida as a Category 2 storm before weakening to a post-tropical cyclone.

Where did Hurricane Isaias make landfall?

Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on the Florida Panhandle, at about 8:30 p.m. CDT on October 9, 2026.

How many people lost power during Hurricane Isaias?

Nearly 800,000 customers lost power in Florida and Alabama, with outage totals later climbing past 835,000 across the Southeast.

What should residents do during the storm?

Residents should stay off roads, avoid flood-prone areas, shelter in place, and monitor updates from local officials and the National Hurricane Center.

Is Isaias still a hurricane?

No. Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone shortly after landfall, but heavy rain, flooding and tornado threats continue across the Southeast.