Hurricane Isaias is making landfall along the western Florida Panhandle tonight as a Category 2 storm, packing maximum sustained winds near 110 miles per hour. The storm was located near latitude 30.1 North and longitude 86.6 West at 8 p.m. Eastern, moving north at 18 miles per hour. Gulf Breeze already reported a sustained wind of 83 miles per hour with a gust of 97 miles per hour before the center even arrived, and Pensacola International Airport recorded a 71 mile per hour gust. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach as far as 205 miles, meaning Alabama and the Tennessee Valley will feel the effects well after landfall.
Forecasters expect Isaias to weaken and become post-tropical on Saturday as it tracks inland. Even so, the combination of strong winds and saturated ground across the Panhandle and southern Alabama could lead to widespread power outages and downed trees. If you have travel plans through that region this weekend, check road conditions and consider delaying if possible.
Here on the Suncoast, we are not in the forecast cone, but this storm is a timely reminder that hurricane season runs through the end of November. Take a few minutes this weekend to restock your emergency kit, review your evacuation zone, and make sure your family’s communication plan is up to date. Is your hurricane kit ready for the rest of the season? Let us know in the comments.
