Isaias Closes In on Pensacola as a Category 3; Flash Flood Warnings Up for Panama City and the Big Bend

At 4 PM CDT (5 PM EDT) Friday, October 9, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) placed the center of Hurricane Isaias about 90 miles south of Pensacola, moving north at 17 mph. Maximum sustained winds were near 115 mph, so Isaias is still a Category 3 hurricane. NHC expects landfall on the western Florida Panhandle coast this evening, with little change in strength before then. It says conditions are deteriorating quickly in the Storm Surge and Hurricane Warning areas and residents should be seeking safe shelter. A sustained wind of 46 mph with a 58 mph gust was recently measured at Fair Point Light near Gulf Breeze, and Pensacola Naval Air Station reported a 56 mph gust.

The Hurricane Warning still runs from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line, and the Storm Surge Warning covers the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River. NHC's highest surge forecast is still 6 to 9 feet above ground from the Alabama/Florida border to Grayton Beach. NWS Mobile says some coastal counties have issued evacuation orders. The City of Pensacola and Escambia County say orders cover Zones A and B. NHC also warns that hurricane-force winds could spread up to 100 miles inland into southern Alabama.

Heavy rain is already here. NWS Tallahassee has issued Flash Flood Warnings until 11 PM EDT for Bay, Gulf, western Franklin and southwestern Calhoun counties, including Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach. Another warning runs until 10:30 PM EDT for Franklin, Wakulla and southeastern Liberty counties, including Apalachicola, Carrabelle and Crawfordville. Tornado Watch 677 is in effect until 9 PM EDT for much of the Panhandle and Big Bend. NHC forecasts 4 to 8 inches of rain, with local totals up to 15 inches, and considerable flash and river flooding. In our area, NWS Tampa Bay's 5:12 PM statement still shows no tropical-storm wind concerns. The main threat is a 2 to 4 foot surge along coastal Levy County, with limited surge impacts possible from Citrus to Hillsborough counties.

Flood safety: Never walk or drive through floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock you down, and a foot can float a car. Stay out of flooded rooms if water may be touching outlets or cords. Once it's safe, take photos for insurance and start removing water fast, because mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. If water gets into your home or business, Florida Restoration Specialists can handle water extraction and dry-out in Lakeland and across Polk County. Call (863) 588-6617.

Sources: NHC Hurricane Isaias Public Advisory 13 (4 PM CDT), NWS Tallahassee Flash Flood Warnings and Tornado Watch 677, NWS Mobile Hurricane Local Statement, NWS Tampa Bay Hurricane Local Statement, City of Pensacola / Escambia County Isaias update, National Hurricane Center.