Heavy rains and gusty winds are sweeping across the US Gulf Coast due to Hurricane Isaias. Residents in various areas have been ordered to evacuate as the Category 3 storm approaches. Meteorologists warn of a potential storm surge when the hurricane makes landfall on Saturday night.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Isaias is packing maximum sustained winds of 115 miles per hour (185 km/h). It was located approximately 90 miles south of Pensacola.
Meteorologists predict that Isaias will strike the Florida Panhandle coast with the strength of a major hurricane, though it is expected to weaken after moving inland.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated at a press briefing that the storm could make landfall around 11:00 PM local time.
“We have mobilized significant equipment and personnel to handle the emergency situation once the storm hits,” he said, urging residents to stock up on fuel, water, and non-perishable food.
Due to Hurricane Isaias, US President Donald Trump cancelled his plans to attend a college football game between the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Saturday.
Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for several Florida counties, though the storm could impact a vast area of the southeastern United States. Hurricane-force winds are expected to extend up to 100 miles inland from the coast.
The NHC has warned that water levels could rise by up to 9 feet along the Alabama-Florida border. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and cause rivers to overflow their banks. Operations have been suspended at two airports in northwestern Florida.
