Hurricane Isaias strengthened to Category 2 and was approaching the Gulf Coast, according to the latest U.S. National Hurricane Center bulletin. Hurricane and storm-surge warnings were in effect for parts of the coast, and evacuations had been ordered in some Florida counties.
In a bulletin issued at 10 p.m. Central time on October 8, the center reported winds of up to 105 mph and movement to the northeast. CBS’s earlier update had cited winds of 100 mph. The latest forecast said Isaias was expected to remain a dangerous hurricane as it approached the coast on Friday.
A hurricane warning covered the northern Gulf Coast from the Mississippi-Alabama line to the Panama City area of Florida. The hurricane center forecast 4 to 8 inches of rain, with local totals of up to 15 inches, and warned of storm surge and damaging winds.
Mandatory evacuations were in effect in parts of Florida’s Okaloosa and Walton counties. Governor Ron DeSantis declared an emergency in more than two dozen counties, while Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared one in 40 counties. Georgia’s governor also issued an emergency declaration.
Forecasters warned of possible tornadoes in coastal parts of Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. The U.S. Coast Guard urged mariners to monitor official advisories. Conditions and warnings can change as the hurricane’s track and strength evolve.