At least four people have died after Cyclone Isaias struck Florida’s Gulf Coast and pushed heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous floodwaters across parts of the southeastern United States, authorities said.
The storm came ashore late Friday near the resort area of Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 hurricane, packing sustained winds of around 105 mph (169 km/h). Although the system weakened after landfall and was later downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, forecasters warned that the threat from flooding, storm surges and tornadoes remained significant as it moved inland.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the storm was expected to continue tracking northward through the weekend, bringing torrential rain to several states across the region. Emergency officials warned residents in low-lying areas to remain alert, as rivers and streams could rise rapidly following days of continuous rainfall.
Local authorities confirmed four storm-related fatalities but did not immediately release details about the victims. Search and rescue teams remained active in several communities affected by flooding and storm damage.
In coastal towns across Florida’s Panhandle, residents reported fallen trees, power outages and damaged homes. Strong winds knocked down utility lines, leaving thousands without electricity. Emergency crews worked through the night to clear roads and restore essential services.
Meteorologists noted that Isaias was the first hurricane to make landfall in the continental United States since 2024. The storm developed during an Atlantic hurricane season influenced by a powerful El Niño pattern, which had initially been expected to suppress tropical storm activity.
Residents in Mary Esther, near Destin, described a tense night as wind and rain battered the area. Many said they were fortunate the storm weakened after reaching the coast, reducing the potential for even greater damage.
Forecasters cautioned that the danger was not over, warning that inland flooding and isolated tornadoes could continue as the remnants of Isaias move through the southeastern United States over the coming days.