Hurricane Isaias struck near Destin, Florida, on October 9, 2026, as a Category 2 storm with 105 mph winds. Two deaths were reported in Florida and Alabama, while power outages and damage affected Gulf Coast communities. Forecasters warned of continued flash flooding inland.
Hurricane Isaias left at least two people dead and caused extensive damage after making landfall near Destin, Florida, on Friday, October 9, 2026, as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 105 mph.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed landfall at approximately 8:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026, subsequently weakened while moving north into Alabama.
Two deaths reported in Florida and Alabama
In Escambia County, Florida, a woman died when a tree fell onto her home. A second fatality was reported in Birmingham, Alabama, where another falling tree struck a residence.
The deaths occurred as damaging winds brought down trees, blocked roads and disrupted emergency operations across affected communities.
Gulf Coast power outages and hurricane damage
Nearly 900,000 customers across Florida, Alabama and Georgia were without power early Saturday, October 10, according to reported outage data.
Flooding affected roads in Destin, while Pensacola experienced downed power lines, damage to its airport and the loss of a hotel roof. Gas stations and other buildings along the Florida Panhandle also suffered damage.
Florida begins recovery operations
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned that dangerous flooding could continue even after the storm's strongest winds had passed.
Utility crews began restoration work, while authorities assessed damaged infrastructure and reopened major transportation routes. Emergency declarations supported response efforts in affected states.
Isaias weakens, but flash flooding remains a threat
By 4 a.m. CDT on Saturday, October 10, Isaias had weakened into a post-tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 35 mph near Montgomery, Alabama.
The NHC warned that heavy rainfall could cause flash floods across the Tennessee Valley, Southern Appalachians and southeastern United States.
With wind speeds declining, emergency officials shifted attention toward flood risks, blocked roads and power restoration as the storm's remnants continued moving inland.
