First hurricane of 2026 hits Florida

Hurricane Isaias made landfall Friday night along the northern Gulf Coast of Florida, bringing heavy rains, powerful winds and risk of life-threatening flash flooding and storm surges.

Storm downgraded after landfall

Isaias has been downgraded from a hurricane to a post-tropical cyclone and is continuing north across the Southeastern United States after making landfall in Florida.

Three states declare emergencies

Florida, Alabama and Georgia have each issued states of emergency amid warnings of life-threatening storm surge that could cause up to nine feet of flooding in some areas.

Mandatory evacuations ordered

Both Florida and Alabama instituted mandatory evacuations for thousands of people. Florida Senator Rick Scott urged residents to evacuate immediately, warning: DO NOT WAIT! Get out NOW!

“DO NOT WAIT! Get out NOW!”

Delayed hurricane season explained

Isaias is the first hurricane in the Atlantic's 2026 season, which has been delayed by El Niño conditions in the Pacific.

Storm's path and wind extent

The centre of Isaias is forecast to move across Alabama and into the Tennessee Valley on Saturday and Sunday.

Warnings and power outages mount

All hurricane warnings were discontinued by Saturday morning, but storm surge and tropical storm warnings remain in effect.More than four hundred thirty thousand were without power in Florida and nearly three hundred thousand in Alabama.

Meteorologist warns of tornadoes

Melissa Watson, a Florida-based meteorologist at the National Weather Service, told the BBC there is potential for accompanying tornadoes. She urged people to remain inside and safe while the hurricane moves through.

Some residents refuse to evacuate

John Guoth, a resident of Navarre, Florida, told the BBC he and his wife will remain in their home despite others evacuating.

Waffle House closes locations

The Waffle House chain closed a number of locations in the hurricane's path on Friday, a rare indicator of a storm's severity to communities in the southern United States.

Two more storms hit North America

Hurricane Simon is bearing down on Mexico's Pacific coast as a category one hurricane, expected to become category four by Saturday and make landfall near Puerto Vallarta on Sunday.