Image Source: FOX Weather
Storm chaser Hurricane Isaias coverage captured the stormās violent landfall, destructive winds and dangerous tornado threat as the system moved from Floridaās Gulf Coast across the Southeast and toward the East Coast.
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, around 9:30 p.m. ET Friday as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. The storm was the first Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in the continental United States in two years, nearly exactly two years after Hurricane Milton struck Florida.
Storm Chaser Hurricane Isaias Footage Shows Dangerous Conditions
FOX Weather storm tracker Brandon Copic recorded dramatic scenes as severe weather spread inland. Video from South Carolina showed a tornado crossing Highway 301 near Woods Crossroads while tropical moisture from Isaias fueled powerful thunderstorms.
A confirmed tornado was also reported in Allendale County, South Carolina, as a Tornado Watch covered portions of southeastern Georgia and South Carolina. Forecasters warned that additional tornadoes could form quickly within rainbands, along with damaging wind gusts reaching 60 mph.
The stormās unusual wind pattern also drew attention from meteorologists. The FOX Forecast Center said some of Isaiasā strongest winds and most significant damage occurred west of the center, rather than on the eastern side where hurricane impacts are often greatest.
Forecasters believe the storm may have been transitioning into a non-tropical system near landfall. That change possibly allowed a narrow band of extreme winds, known as a sting jet, to descend from higher in the atmosphere and intensify damage across parts of the Florida Panhandle.
Deadly Damage and Widespread Power Outages
At least four people died in separate storm-related incidents in Florida and Alabama. In Escambia County, Florida, a man died and four others were hospitalized after a generator was operated inside an unventilated home, causing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other fatalities involved trees falling on homes in Florida and Alabama. Officials urged residents to stay away from damaged structures, weakened trees, flooded roads and downed power lines during the cleanup.
- Nearly 900,000 utility customers initially lost power across Florida, Alabama and Georgia.
- More than 400,000 customers remained without electricity Saturday evening.
- Florida Power & Light said it was targeting restoration for 95% of affected customers by the end of Monday.
- Utility crews from multiple states were deployed to clear debris and repair damaged lines.
Wind reports showed the stormās strength well inland. A 118-mph gust was recorded in Jay, Florida, while Oriole Beach reported a 117-mph gust. Other locations recorded gusts above 100 mph as trees, utility poles and roofs were damaged across the Panhandle.
Flooding Threat Expands Across the Southeast
Although Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone, its broad circulation continued to transport tropical moisture across the region. The Weather Prediction Center warned of additional heavy rain, flash flooding and landslides across the Southeast and Southern Appalachians.
Parts of western North Carolina, western Virginia and the Southern Appalachians were forecast to receive another 2 to 5 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching 10 inches. Northwest Florida had already recorded rainfall totals approaching or exceeding a foot in some communities.
Search-and-rescue crews navigated washed-out roads in Walton County, Florida, while the Florida State Guard used amphibious vehicles, aircraft and drones to assist residents in flooded areas. National Guard soldiers also rescued occupants from a submerged vehicle trapped in high water.
FEMA warned residents to avoid floodwaters, follow local instructions and check on neighbors. Officials emphasized that floodwater can conceal dangerous debris, contaminated materials and energized electrical lines.
Isaias Remnants Target the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
By Sunday, the remnants of Isaias were expected to spread heavy rain across the Interstate 95 corridor. Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City faced the possibility of a widespread washout, with rain continuing for much of the day.
Flooding and severe thunderstorms were also possible in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Charleston, West Virginia. Forecasters warned of isolated tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and urban, river and flash flooding before conditions improved Monday as the system moved offshore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Hurricane Isaias make landfall?
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on Friday night as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 105 mph.
How many people died in the storm?
Authorities confirmed at least four deaths in Florida and Alabama, including fatalities linked to falling trees and unsafe generator use.
Was there a tornado threat after landfall?
Yes. Tornadoes were reported in Georgia and South Carolina, and forecasters warned that additional quick-forming tornadoes could develop within Isaiasā rainbands.
How serious were the power outages?
Nearly 900,000 customers initially lost electricity across Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Hundreds of thousands remained without power as crews began restoration work.
