4 hrs ago
Hurricane Isaias Brings Blackouts and Storm Surge Toward Florida
Hurricane Isaias was moving toward the Florida Panhandle on Friday evening.
It had weakened to a Category 2 storm, but its winds were still very strong.
More than 380,000 homes and businesses in Florida and Alabama had lost electricity.
Forecasters warned that ocean water could rise dangerously high along the coast.
The storm was also expected to bring heavy rain as it moved inland.
Oil and gas companies stopped some Gulf production and evacuated offshore platforms.
Florida officials took steps to help people evacuate and prepare for emergencies.
Isaias was a Category 2 hurricane with winds reaching 110 mph as it approached the Florida Panhandle.
More than 380,000 homes and businesses in Florida and Alabama had lost power by about 8:30 p.m. New York time.
Forecasters warned of storm surge up to 9 feet near the Alabama-Florida border and heavy rain after landfall.
Oil and gas producers shut in substantial Gulf output, while officials evacuated offshore platforms and some ports closed.
Florida suspended tolls on bridges in two counties, and Governor Ron DeSantis declared an emergency in 27 counties.
- Who
- Residents and businesses in Florida and Alabama, along with Gulf energy producers and emergency officials.
- What
- Hurricane Isaias approached the Florida Panhandle, causing power outages and prompting storm-surge and heavy-rain warnings.
- Where
- Near Pensacola and the western Florida Panhandle, with effects also reported in Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico.
- When
- Friday evening; the advisory cited was issued at 8 p.m. New York time.
- Why
- The storm's strong winds, expected storm surge, and forecast heavy rain threatened people, property, and energy operations.
Key facts
- Storm status
- Category 2, with maximum winds of 110 mph
- Position
- About 45 miles south of Pensacola, Florida
- Power outages
- More than 380,000 homes and businesses in Florida and Alabama by about 8:30 p.m. New York time
- Storm surge forecast
- Up to 9 feet near the Alabama-Florida border
- Oil production shut in
- 1,458,814 barrels per day, or 72% of Gulf of Mexico output, according to the Marine Minerals Administration
- Offshore evacuations
- 129 platforms had been evacuated as of noon in New York
- Florida emergency measures
- A state of emergency was declared in 27 counties; tolls were suspended on bridges in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties
Quotes
Gary Cunningham
Analyst at Tradition Energy
“This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions.”
livemint.com
“Isaias is remaining stronger than originally projected but its track is more east”
livemint.com
Sources
Related news
Hurricane Isaias Threatens Gulf Coast as Evacuations and Oil Shutdowns Grow
Isaias Threatens Gulf Energy Operations as Producers Shut Output
Isaias Threatens Gulf Coast Energy Output as Forecasts Differ
Isaias Weakens After Florida Landfall, Flood and Surge Risks Remain
Hurricane Isaias Makes Landfall in Florida With 105-Mph Winds
Isaias Strengthens as Florida and Alabama Declare Emergencies
Oil Prices Fall as Trump Signals Iran Diplomacy Progress
Oil Jumps as Gulf Storm and Iran Risks Tighten Supply
