Isaias Batters Florida Coast: Two Dead, 780K Lose Power

Hurricane Isaias made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 2 storm Friday night, causing significant damage. The storm brought powerful 105 mph winds that snapped numerous trees and led to widespread power outages. As of Saturday morning, approximately 780,000 customers in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia were still without electricity, with some Florida counties reporting over 80% of residents affected.

Tragically, two individuals lost their lives due to storm-related incidents. One person was found pinned under a tree in Escambia County, Florida, while another fatality occurred in Jefferson County, Alabama, when a tree fell on a home. Emergency management officials are warning of persistent flash flood threats, particularly further inland, even as the storm has been downgraded.

Utility crews began restoration efforts early Saturday, with thousands of workers focused on restoring power and clearing debris from main roads, including major routes like I-10 and Route 98, which were reported open. The storm's impact was felt across several states, with forecasters warning of potential tornadoes spinning off the system far from the coast.