Isaias hits Florida with winds of up to 169 kilometers per hour, leaving more than 500,000 households without power

Hurricane Isaias arrived near the city of Destin, Florida, on Friday evening, with winds reaching 169 kilometers per hour. The National Hurricane Center warned of a dangerous rise in water levels and flash flooding as the storm moved inland.

In Pensacola, AFP journalists reported that winds were tearing roofs off homes and businesses and breaking tree branches. “Things are flying around fast. I’ve never seen wind this strong. It’s frightening,” one resident said. More than 300,000 customers in Florida and 200,000 in Alabama lost power.

Authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations in several counties, while two airports in northwestern Florida have suspended flights. Near the Florida-Alabama border, water could rise as much as 2.7 meters above normally dry ground.

Heavy rainfall also poses a risk and could cause rivers to overflow. Governor Ron DeSantis said personnel and supplies needed for the response were ready. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump canceled a planned visit to Alabama. The hurricane has also affected the energy sector.

Because platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were evacuated, about 71 percent of oil production has been temporarily halted, reducing supply by nearly 1.5 million barrels a day. Exceptionally high water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico contributed to the hurricane’s rapid strengthening.