Hurricane Isaias Kills Four and Leaves 900,000 Without Power in Florida
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, late Friday as a Category 2 storm, killing four people and leaving nearly 900,000 customers without power. The storm caused a six-foot surge and 105 mph winds, damaging infrastructure across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.
Key points
- Isaias struck the Florida panhandle with 105 mph winds and a six-foot surge, resulting in four fatalities and widespread power outages.
- The storm weakened to a post-tropical cyclone by Saturday but continued to pose risks of flash flooding and tornadoes in the southeastern US.
- Power outages peaked at nearly 900,000 customers before dropping to 550,000 by Saturday afternoon as cleanup efforts began.
- One death in Escambia County, Florida, was linked to carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator used in a closed garage.
- Isaias is the second-latest-forming Atlantic hurricane on record, tying a 1905 date, despite a quiet season forecast by NOAA.
Background
This event follows a quiet Atlantic hurricane season in 2026, where NOAA predicted only three to six hurricanes, well below the average of seven. Isaias is the second-latest-forming Atlantic hurricane on record, tying a 1905 date. Earlier in September, a nor'easter caused widespread power outages in Connecticut, highlighting regional vulnerability to severe weather.
How outlets are covering it
The Washington Post and The New York Times both reported four deaths and nearly 900,000 power outages, with the Post emphasizing the six-foot storm surge. The Guardian detailed the specific causes of death, including carbon monoxide poisoning in Florida and tree impacts in Alabama, while noting the storm's weakening status. WEAR-TV focused on visual damage in Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama. All outlets agreed on the storm's impact but differed in emphasis, with The Guardian highlighting the record-breaking late formation of the hurricane.
Why it matters
The storm's late-season formation and significant impact underscore the unpredictability of hurricane activity, even in a quiet season. The widespread power outages and fatalities highlight the critical need for emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience in coastal regions.
What to watch
Officials are focusing on cleanup and recovery efforts, with warnings of continued flash flooding and tornado risks. Power restoration is ongoing, with outages dropping from 900,000 to 550,000 by Saturday afternoon. The National Hurricane Center expects considerable impacts across southern Alabama, Florida's panhandle, and southwestern Georgia through Sunday.
- 2 dead, hundreds of thousands without power as Hurricane Isaias sweeps inland The Washington Post
- Isaias inland threats: Flash flooding, winds, tornadoes in Southeast The Weather Channel
- Hurricane Isaias Live Updates: Weaker Storm Moves Inland After Lashing Gulf Coast The New York Times
- PHOTOS: Hurricane Isaias causes damage across Northwest Florida, Southwest Alabama WEAR-TV
- Two dead as Isaias weakens to post-tropical cyclone after striking Florida panhandle The Guardian
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