Key things to know about Hurricane Isaias as millions under evacuation orders
The hurricane is first in the Atlantic in what has turned into a very late season. Here’s what forecasters are saying about where Isaias will hit and how hard
TL;DR
- Hurricane Isaias made landfall on the US Gulf coast as a Category 2 storm with 105 mph winds.
- Millions of people in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama were under evacuation orders, with states of emergency declared.
- The storm is forecast to bring a life-threatening storm surge, significant rainfall (4-8 inches, with up to 15 inches locally), flooding, and strong winds up to 100 miles inland.
- Tornadoes are also possible in the outer bands of the storm.
- Oil and gas producers shut down a significant share of offshore production in the Gulf.
- The response involves the American Red Cross, National Guard, and FEMA, with FEMA's ability to respond being a key test.
- The El Niño climate pattern is a factor in the "quieter Atlantic hurricane season."
- Previous hurricanes Milton and Helene are mentioned for context on recent storm activity.