Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) declared a state of emergency in 25 counties in western Florida in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias, which was upgraded from a tropical depression on Wednesday.
The system first formed as a tropical depression on Tuesday, and intensity models show it could become the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season’s first hurricane. The National Hurricane Center’s models suggest its route will take it east then north, hitting an area spanning from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. DeSantis signed the executive order declaring the state of emergency on Tuesday evening, while the system was still classified as Tropical Depression Nine.
“This order ensures communities have the time and resources necessary to prepare for potential severe weather impacts to the Panhandle and Big Bend region of Florida,” he said in a post on X. “Floridians should have their plans in place, keep emergency supply kits fully stocked, and follow @FLSERT for weather updates and preparedness information.”
The order makes the Division of Emergency Management director the State Coordinating Officer, empowering it to seek direct federal help, seek mutual-aid compacts with other states, and put state and local personnel under its command. It also allows public buildings to be used as shelters when asked, and for officials involved in the emergency response to waive red-tape regulations that could get in the way.
The NHC warned the storm could bring heavy rainfall to the Gulf Coast and the southeastern U.S. from Friday into the weekend.
“Flash and urban flooding, along with isolated river flooding, will be possible,” it added.
FLORIDA PROFESSOR VISITED CUBA SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE DESANTIS APPOINTEE’S SECURITY WARNINGS
The NHC’s model showed the storm affecting nearly the entirety of Alabama and Mississippi. Areas as far away as Tennessee and Ohio could also see heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The 2026 hurricane season has been unusually quiet, with no hurricanes making landfall in the United States so far. This has been credited to a strong El Niño, which has suppressed tropical activity.