Hurricane Isaias Hits Florida Panhandle, Leaves 448,000 Without Power

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, around 9:30 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 9, as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 105 mph. The system moved north through the western Panhandle into southern Alabama, weakening to a post-tropical cyclone by Saturday morning.

At least four people have died in Florida and Alabama, according to Gestión, while hundreds of thousands of customers lost power across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. As of Saturday morning, approximately 448,298 Florida accounts remained without electricity.

“Several rivers in the Panhandle could reach their maximum levels over the next few days.”

Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 27 counties via Executive Order 26-202, and FEMA announced presidential approval of the emergency declaration. More than 16,000 linemen were pre-positioned for rapid restoration, and the Florida State Guard deployed nearly 400 soldiers for damage assessments, route clearance, and search and rescue.

Authorities warn that significant dangers persist despite the storm's weakening. Rivers in the Panhandle may crest in coming days, and saturated ground raises flash flood risks. Downed power lines, debris, and standing water make travel hazardous; Santa Rosa County reported most roads remained impassable Saturday.

Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from downed power lines, and not drive through flooded roadways. Damage assessments continue, with no final economic toll yet established. Major highways have largely reopened, though localized flooding persists near Okaloosa Island.