Hurricane Isaias strengthened to a Category 3 with 120 mph winds and drifted slightly east toward the Western Florida Panhandle, where the National Hurricane Center now expects landfall this evening. The ational Weather Service in Mobile raised its wind forecast for Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Eglin to sustained 90 to 110 mph with gusts to 135 mph, and says to plan for Category 3 force or higher.
Here is what changed since the 7 a.m. update:
Major hurricane: Isaias is now a Category 3 with 120 mph winds, up from 110. The Hurricane Center expects it to be at or near major hurricane strength at landfall. Overnight, the forecast called for a high-end Category 2.
Landfall is earlier and closer: The center is expected to reach the western Florida Panhandle coast this evening, rather than tonight or early Saturday. Hurricane hunters found the storm a bit east of the earlier track.
Bigger again: Hurricane-force winds now reach 35 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds reach 205 miles.
Inland reach: Hurricane-force winds could extend up to 100 miles inland into southern Alabama.
Tornadoes: The risk begins this afternoon, with the greatest threat east of the center, across the Florida Panhandle.
Storm surge: Unchanged at 6 to 9 feet from the Alabama line to Grayton Beach.
For Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Eglin, NWS Mobile’s 10 a.m. local forecast says:
Wind: Sustained 90 to 110 mph, with gusts to 135 mph. The forecaster says the wind threat has increased and to plan for Category 3 force or higher. Tropical storm winds continue until early Saturday, and hurricane-force winds arrive early this evening and last until early Saturday.
Surge: 6 to 9 feet above ground in surge-prone areas, through Saturday morning.
Rain: Another 4 to 8 inches, with more in spots.
Tornadoes: Several are possible.
This is the time to be where you plan to ride out the storm. The Hurricane Center says to have a safe room, an interior space away from windows, and to prepare for long power outages. NWS Mobile says to stay inside and move to the safest part of your shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
For evacuation and shelter questions, call Okaloosa County Emergency Management at 850-651-7150.
The Hurricane Center begins hourly updates at 11 a.m., with the next intermediate advisory at 1 p.m. and the next full advisory at 4 p.m. Follow the storm on our Isaias storm center, and read the full NHC advisory here.
Written and reported by Emerald Coast Connected.