October 9, 2026
Isaias Now a Category 3 Hurricane, Landfall Expected This Evening on the Western Florida Panhandle
NHC says Isaias has 120 mph winds and its center should reach the western Florida Panhandle coast this evening, with 6 to 9 feet of possible surge and up to 15 inches of rain.
Hurricane Isaias strengthened into a Category 3 major hurricane Friday, October 9. In its 10 AM CDT advisory, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) put maximum sustained winds near 120 mph, and a 12 PM CDT position update placed the center about 160 miles south of Pensacola, moving north-northeast at 16 mph with a minimum pressure of 959 mb. NHC expects the center to reach the western Florida Panhandle coast this evening at or near major hurricane strength, then weaken after landfall. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds up to 205 miles.
The Hurricane Warning still runs from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida, and a Storm Surge Warning covers the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River. 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. NWS Tallahassee said all tropical watches in its area have been upgraded to warnings, including new Hurricane Warnings for inland Bay, Holmes, Washington, Coffee and Geneva counties.
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, and says considerable flash flooding and significant river flooding are possible. Closer to home, NWS Tampa Bay said there are currently no concerns for tropical-storm-force winds in its area; its main concern is a 2 to 4 foot surge threat for coastal Levy County, with little to no impact expected elsewhere across West Central and Southwest Florida.
If storm rain or a roof leak lets water into your home or business, quick extraction and drying limit the damage. Florida Restoration Specialists does water extraction and dry-out in Lakeland and across Polk County. Call (863) 588-6617.
Sources: NHC Hurricane Isaias Public Advisory 12 (10 AM CDT), NHC Isaias 12 PM CDT Position Update, NWS Tallahassee Hurricane Local Statement, NWS Tampa Bay Hurricane Local Statement, National Hurricane Center.
