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Powerful Hurricane Isaias, packing winds of 169 kilometres per hour, has made landfall near Destin in the US state of Florida. The Category 2 hurricane is the first Category 2 storm to make landfall in the United States during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
CNN reported the development on Saturday (October 10), citing the National Hurricane Center.
At the time of landfall, maximum wind speeds of 186 kilometres per hour (116 miles per hour) were recorded at Santa Rosa Beach in Florida. The storm is moving north towards Alabama at a speed of 31 kilometres per hour after crossing Florida’s Panhandle region.
More than 500,000 customers have been left without electricity due to the storm. Coastal areas have also experienced storm surges reaching 3 to 5 feet, accompanied by powerful winds.
The National Weather Service has issued storm surge, flood and tornado warnings for parts of Florida and Georgia. Around 60% of Escambia County in Florida has lost power. Flying debris carried by strong winds has also created hazardous conditions on several roads.
Several music festivals have been cancelled due to the hurricane, while the US National Park Service has closed several parks.
As part of preparations to deal with the disaster, President Donald Trump has approved a declaration of emergency in several Alabama counties following a request from Governor Kay Ivey.
According to the report, Isaias is the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the continental United States since Hurricane Milton struck on October 9, 2024. Source: Agencies.
