Millions Warned as Hurricane Isaias Threatens with Dangerous Storm Surge

As Hurricane Isaias approaches the US Gulf coast, millions from Louisiana to Florida are under hurricane warnings. Weather officials caution about the threat of dangerous storm surge, hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding.

Isaias escalated from a tropical storm to a hurricane on Wednesday night, marking the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. State of emergency declarations have been issued in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Evacuation orders and school closures have been implemented in several Florida counties, urging residents to prepare.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported on Thursday evening that Isaias, now a Category 2 hurricane, has sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf coast late Friday or early Saturday. The NWS warns of a "life-threatening storm surge" along parts of the northern Gulf coast, with storm surge warnings in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwanee River in Florida. Residents are advised to heed local officials' instructions, including evacuation if directed.

Hurricane warnings cover areas from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf county line in Florida, with damaging hurricane-force winds anticipated across the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi. There is also a risk of long-duration power outages. Tropical storm warnings extend from parts of Louisiana to west of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and from east of the Bay/Gulf county line to the Aucilla River in Florida. Gusty winds are possible across the Yucatán peninsula.

Isaias is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the central Gulf coast and southeast, with 3-7 inches expected from southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Big Bend. Localized rainfall of up to 15 inches is possible, raising concerns for flash and urban flooding, as well as isolated river flooding. Isolated tornadoes may develop in coastal areas of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, with the threat continuing into eastern Alabama, Georgia, and northern Florida.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 counties, urging residents to prepare with essential supplies. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency in 40 counties, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties. DeSantis noted the hurricane could reach Category 3 status, urging affected residents to execute their plans.

Evacuation orders have been issued in various Florida counties, including Okaloosa, Walton, and Franklin. Destin-Fort Walton Beach airport will close operations on Thursday, with Pensacola airport halting commercial operations on Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration anticipates possible oceanic route closures in the Gulf and thunderstorm delays in Florida airports. Amtrak's Mardi Gras service along the Gulf coast is suspended, as is the Crescent service between New Orleans and Atlanta.

In Tennessee, heavy rain and strong winds are expected, with potential flash flooding. Ohio will experience strong winds and possible widespread rain, while Pennsylvania forecasts soaking rain with low flooding risks.