Isaias weakens after making landfall in US Gulf Coast as hurricane

What the report says

Hurricane Isaias struck the US Gulf Coast near Destin, Florida, before weakening as it moved inland over southern Alabama, according to Al Jazeera’s report, which cited the US National Hurricane Center. The storm made landfall as the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, with reported maximum sustained winds of 169 km/h (105 mph), then lost strength and was classified as post-tropical as it advanced northward. By Saturday, the center said Isaias was south-southwest of Montgomery with winds near 100 km/h (65 mph).

The storm left a wide path of damage across Florida and Alabama. Al Jazeera reported flooded roads in Destin, debris in Pensacola, downed trees and power lines, and temporary suspension of emergency response in some Panhandle counties because conditions were too dangerous. In southern Alabama, officials in Mobile and Houston County reported flooding and road closures. More than 664,000 customers in the two states were without power early Saturday, according to poweroutage.com.

The article also highlighted concerns about storm surge, which could reach 0.91 to 1.52 metres along parts of the coast from Alabama to Florida. Airports in the region saw major disruptions, including a halt to most Friday flights at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. Florida deployed National Guard personnel and federal emergency declarations were approved in Florida and Alabama to support response efforts. In broader context, the report noted that other storms in the region were also being monitored, underscoring an active and hazardous hurricane period.