Storm Isaias Makes Landfall on Gulf Coast, Weakens to Post-Tropical Cyclone

Storm Isaias made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast before slowing and transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone as it moved across southern Alabama, threatening flash flooding and strong winds far inland.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Saturday that Isaias was about 89 km south-southwest of Montgomery, with maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h.

When it came ashore near Destin, Florida, as the first storm of the Atlantic season, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 169 km/h, according to the agency.

Roads in Destin were flooded, while in nearby Pensacola, police warned residents to stay off the streets because of debris scattered across roadways.

Although the extent of the damage was not immediately determined, many residents in the area posted photos online of downed trees and power lines, and a social media video showed the roof of an inn in Pensacola being torn off.

Several Panhandle counties temporarily suspended emergency responses on Friday evening because of dangerous conditions.

Parts of southern Alabama were also flooded, with officials in Mobile reporting downed trees and power lines. Roads in Houston County, in the state's southeastern corner, were closed because of similar conditions.

According to poweroutage.com, more than 664,000 customers in Florida and Alabama were without power early Saturday.

One of the biggest concerns was storm surge that could reach 0.91-1.52 meters from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to the Aucilla River in Florida, according to the hurricane center.

The storm caused most Friday flights at several airports to be canceled, including all arrivals and departures at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

'Under control'

Asked about preparations for the storm, President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House: "We're watching it very closely, the storm," adding that it was "under control."

The Florida National Guard deployed about 5,000 soldiers and airmen to support the response, with search-and-rescue teams on standby, while some prisons evacuated inmates.

"Emergency declarations have been approved in Florida and Alabama to ensure federal resources are available to respond to Isaias," Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on X, as residents were urged to shelter and beware of storm conditions.

Another tropical storm, Rachel, was also forecast to bring strong winds and rain to northern Mexico and Southern California over the weekend.

And Simon strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it headed toward Mexico's coast early Saturday. The NHC said Simon's maximum sustained winds had increased to 225 km/h. A storm of equivalent or greater strength is considered a major hurricane.

Simon was expected to bring heavy rain to parts of southwestern Mexico, potentially concentrated along the Jalisco coast and parts of Michoacan, Colima and Nayarit. Forecasters warned of life-threatening flooding and landslides.