October 9, 2026
Hurricane Isaias Nears Major Strength; Landfall Expected Tonight on the Northern Gulf Coast
NHC says Isaias is near 110 mph and expected to make landfall within the warning area tonight or early Saturday. Flash flooding is likely from southern Alabama through the Florida Panhandle.
Hurricane Isaias was close to major hurricane strength Friday morning, October 9. In its 7 AM CDT advisory, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Hurricane Hunter data showed maximum sustained winds near 110 mph, with the center about 245 miles south of Pensacola, moving north-northeast at 15 mph. NHC expects Isaias to become a major hurricane this morning and to make landfall within the warning area tonight or early Saturday.
A Hurricane Warning remains in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida. A Storm Surge Warning covers the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River, and a Storm Surge Watch runs from the Suwannee River to Yankeetown. NHC's highest surge forecast is 6 to 9 feet above ground from the Alabama/Florida border to Grayton Beach if peak surge arrives at high tide.
NHC forecasts 4 to 8 inches of rain through the weekend across southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, and southwest Georgia, with local totals up to 15 inches. It expects 2 to 5 inches across much of the rest of the Southeast. Flash and urban flooding is likely, and river flooding is expected. Polk County is not in the current warning areas; for Lakeland conditions, follow NWS Tampa Bay and Polk County Emergency Management.
If storm rain gets into your home or business, getting the water out and drying started quickly limits the damage. Florida Restoration Specialists does water extraction and drying in Lakeland and across Polk County. Call (863) 588-6617.
Sources: NHC Hurricane Isaias Intermediate Advisory 11A (7 AM CDT), National Hurricane Center.
