Isaias has strengthened into the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, and evacuation guidance has been issued in Alabama and Florida before its expected landfall on Friday night. Isaias is expected to lash the central Gulf Coast and parts of the Southeast with heavy rain and destructive winds, posing the threat of serious flooding. "Life-threating" storm surge is also forecast to hit parts of the northern Gulf Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.
In Florida's Okaloosa County, a state of emergency has been declared, with officials announcing mandatory evacuations beginning 12 p.m. Thursday for residents of Okaloosa Island, portions of coastal Fort Walton Beach, parts of coastal Destin, parts of coastal Mary Esther, and Niceville. Florida residents can also check the state's Division of Emergency Management's map to check if their area is considered a high-risk evacuation zone.
In Alabama, a voluntary evacuation notice has been issued advising residents in coastal and low-lying areas to start relocation preparations if necessary. People in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have also been encouraged to evacuate voluntarily. Kay Ivey, Alabama's governor, also issued a state of emergency for 40 counties in the state.
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