Hurricane Isaias hits Florida coast as thousands evacuate

Hurricane Isaias struck the western panhandle of the US state of Florida on Friday evening. Forecasters warn of life-threatening flooding and winds, and thousands of people have already left their homes.

Before landfall the storm weakened slightly to a category 2 hurricane with winds of 110 mph (175 kph). Florida, Alabama and Georgia have each declared a state of emergency. The US National Hurricane Center has warned of a dangerous storm surge that could cause flooding of up to 9 feet (2.7m) in some areas.

Evacuations

Florida and Alabama have ordered mandatory evacuations. In Florida they cover coastal communities directly in the storm's path. Florida Senator Rick Scott urged residents of the designated areas to leave as soon as possible. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey ordered all non-residents, tourists and visitors out of key counties expected to be hit hardest.

Some residents are staying. John Guoth of Navarre, Florida, told the BBC that he and his wife will remain at home even though the rest of their street has left. Brandin Ruth, a Pensacola resident, said businesses there were turning off gas and trying to get staff home.

Forecast

The National Weather Service said the storm's centre is forecast to move across Alabama and toward the Tennessee Valley on Saturday and Sunday. On Friday evening, hurricane-force winds extended up to 35 miles (55 km) from the centre, and tropical storm-force winds reached as far as 205 miles (335 km).

The source notes that Isaias is the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, which has largely been delayed by El Niño conditions in the Pacific.

Two more storms

Two other storms are expected to affect North America this weekend. Hurricane Simon is approaching Mexico's Pacific coast as a category 1 hurricane. According to Reuters, it could strengthen to category 4 by Saturday and make landfall near Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. Tropical Storm Rachel, a downgraded hurricane, is heading toward the US-Mexico border along the Pacific and is expected to reach the coast late on Saturday. Its effects are already felt in southern California, where high tides have flooded streets in Newport Beach. The city has urged people to avoid the Balboa Peninsula.