Hurricane Isaias makes landfall in Florida as a Category 2 storm

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 storm carrying maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h, threatening coastal communities with severe storm surges and heavy rainfall.

Key points

• The National Hurricane Center reported that Isaias is the first Atlantic hurricane of the season and the first to hit the United States in two years.
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, deploying thousands of National Guard troops and electric utility workers.
• High winds and storm surges downed power lines, ripped roofs off homes, and caused flooding across parts of the Florida coast.
• Weather models indicate the storm's trajectory will bring heavy rains and winds to neighboring states including Alabama and Georgia.

Why it matters

The hurricane poses significant risks to life and property across the southeastern United States, triggering widespread emergency declarations and severe weather alerts.