Home / Disasters and Accidents / Isaias Kills 2, Sparks Mass Power Outages
Isaias Kills 2, Sparks Mass Power Outages
10 Oct
Summary
- Hurricane Isaias caused two fatalities and widespread power outages.
- The storm made landfall in Florida with 105mph winds.
- Over 800,000 customers lost electricity in multiple states.
Hurricane Isaias, the inaugural storm of the 2026 Atlantic season, has resulted in two confirmed fatalities and left hundreds of thousands without power across the southeastern United States. The hurricane initially made landfall near Destin, Florida, on Friday evening as a Category 2 storm. It brought sustained winds of 105mph, powerful gusts, and heavy rainfall to the Florida Panhandle.
As the storm moved inland through Alabama overnight, it weakened to a post-tropical cyclone. Despite this, widespread disruptions occurred. More than 800,000 electricity customers in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia were left without power. Fallen trees and downed power lines caused significant damage, including to an airport and a hotel in Pensacola, Florida. Flooding also led to road closures in parts of southern Alabama.
Local officials reported that one death occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, due to a tree falling on a house, and a second fatality was reported in Escambia County, Florida. However, Florida state officials stated they had not confirmed any storm-related deaths as of Saturday morning. Authorities cautioned that dangerous conditions, including the threat of flash flooding, could persist even after the storm's weakening. Governor Ron DeSantis stressed that saturated ground and continued rainfall posed a significant flooding risk.
