TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Hurricane Isaias continues to churn toward the Florida Panhandle, packing winds of 120 mph midday Friday as a Category 3 storm.
Florida officials urged residents across the Panhandle to complete preparations immediately on Friday as Isaias moved toward an expected late-night landfall along Florida's northwest coast.
During an afternoon news conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the hurricane is expected to make landfall around 11 p.m. and could bring sustained winds of 115 to 120 mph, dangerous storm surge, widespread power outages, flooding and tornadoes.
"We think it's going to land potentially as a Category 3," DeSantis said. "This is really your last chance. If you don't do it right now, then you're probably going to be running into hazardous conditions later tonight."
The governor warned that storm surge would impact a large stretch of the Gulf Coast, extending well beyond the immediate landfall area.
While residents in areas such as Destin and neighboring communities face the greatest surge threat, officials said coastal flooding could reach as far east as Apalachicola and potentially affect portions of the Tampa Bay region because of the storm's large size.
"You're going to see water across the entire region of the Florida Panhandle," DeSantis said.
Officials cautioned that hazards will not be limited to communities near the eye of the storm. Tornadoes could develop far from the center, including in Tallahassee and other parts of North Florida, while heavy rain bands are expected to continue through Saturday.
"There will be impacts from this far, far outside the National Hurricane Center's cone," DeSantis said.
State Emergency Management Executive Director Jared Perdue said dangerous conditions had already begun for some communities.
"The time to prepare has passed," Perdue said. "For many of you, if you're there, it's time to shelter in place and stay safe."
Evacuation orders remain in effect across multiple Panhandle counties, particularly for barrier islands, low-lying areas and RV parks. Officials urged residents who are still able to leave evacuation zones to do so immediately.
State crews have staged significant resources ahead of the storm, including more than 1,400 generators, fuel, food and water supplies and thousands of emergency responders.
The state has also positioned 16,000 utility workers to begin restoring power once conditions are safe.
"We do anticipate extensive power outages here," DeSantis said.
The Florida National Guard has mobilized 5,000 service members and more than 1,300 high-water vehicles. Search-and-rescue teams, helicopters, boats and other specialized equipment have been pre-positioned throughout the region.
More than 6,000 linemen and restoration personnel are standing by to support power restoration efforts following Hurricane Isaias.
The Florida State Guard has deployed nearly 400 soldiers to assist with pre-landfall and post-landfall efforts, including preliminary damage assessments, route clearance, points of distribution operations, and air, ground, and maritime search and rescue support.
Transportation disruptions are also expected. Officials said Florida Highway Patrol may close portions of Interstate 10 and other major roadways and bridges once winds exceed 39 mph. Multiple airports, including Pensacola International Airport and airports in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, have announced closures.
State officials also warned residents not to drive through flooded roadways and to stay away from downed power lines after the storm passes.
Attorney General James Uthmeier warned that looting and price gouging during the emergency will be aggressively prosecuted.
"Don't even try it," Uthmeier said. "During emergencies, there's heightened penalties."
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia encouraged residents to document their homes and belongings before the storm by taking photos and videos and storing records digitally for insurance purposes.
Officials emphasized that residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after the storm and reminded generator users never to operate generators inside homes because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
As Isaias approaches, emergency managers are asking Floridians to follow local evacuation orders, monitor weather alerts, and avoid travel once conditions deteriorate.
"We're ready for it," DeSantis said. "We just got to get through it."
Currently, 27 Florida counties are under a state of emergency.
