Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall in Florida around 11 p.m. Friday, state officials said, and Gov. Ron DeSantis warned residents in the storm’s path to finish their preparations now.
DeSantis said the Category 3 storm will hit the state east of Escambia County, near Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. He warned of a dangerous surge around Fort Walton Beach and Destin, and said the surge could reach as far as Apalachicola and potentially parts of the Tampa Bay region. The storm could also produce tornadoes in Tallahassee, he said, and its trailing bands are expected to stretch across much of North Florida.
Interstate 10, still open Friday afternoon, will close in North Florida once winds exceed 39 mph. The Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Transportation will decide when to shut bridges and other major roads, DeSantis said.
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia urged residents to photograph and video the inside and outside of their homes and to keep digital copies of insurance documents. DeSantis asked people to follow evacuation orders or shelter in place with 72 hours of food and supplies. Each county has at least one pet-friendly shelter.
The storm is expected to cause widespread power outages, flooding and downed power lines. The state is mobilizing thousands of first responders and utility crews, along with boats and airplanes.
