One death reported in Florida as Hurricane Isaias moves through

Note: The Phoenix will update this story as it develops.

With Hurricane Isaias making landfall on the Florida Panhandle and now moving through Alabama, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Saturday morning that Florida came through the storm relatively well, compared to other storms that have hit the state.

One death had been reported due to a falling tree in Escambia County, he noted. Another was reported in Alabama.

But flooding was receding, DeSantis said during a news conference in Tallahassee, and bridges and major highways were open.

It had been “a significant storm,” he acknowledged.

“There’s obviously damage. There’s obviously debris,” he continued.

“But in terms of some of the other storms we’ve had, [when] we’ve had to really mobilize, massive search and rescue, and bring people out of very perilous situations — fortunately, that has not been something that’s been requested of us. And my sense is, from talking to some of the local officials, that they’ve been able to fulfill needs and requests through their ordinary course of business.”

Moreover, although search and rescue teams have been mobilized, “we have not yet received any request for search and rescue deployment, and I take that as an optimistic sign. But our resources are prepared in the event that the need arises. Particularly with respect to any flooding that may occur on the back end of this storm — and we’re likely to continue to see in some areas water levels continue to rise.”

Landfall

Isaias made landfall near Destin, around 50 miles east of Pensacola, about 8:30 p.m. Central time Friday with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.

During the storm, in downtown Pensacola debris like fast food containers, sticks, and even sheet metal roofing flew down the streets.

As the sun set, the wind died down with it. An orange and pink haze covered the skyline as wind ripped through and power went out. At one point, Pensacola police informed reporters that they were stopping patrol due to the conditions.

As of 4 a.m., the National Hurricane Center placed Isaias roughly 25 miles south-southwest of Montgomery, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, moving north at 14 mph.

“Through the weekend, Isaias is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches across southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, and southwest Georgia,” the center reported. “Localized totals up to 15 inches are possible, particularly within banding across the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend.

Here’s how DeSantis described the situation in Florida:

More than 16,000 power line workers had staged before the storm, and they began repairs as soon as it was safe. “Cut and toss” operations for downed trees and other debris and bridge inspections kicked off at around 3 a.m.

“As of this morning, all state-owned bridges are safe and have been reopened for travel. Crew finished inspecting all the coastal bridges by 0600 this morning,” the governor said. Also cleared were Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 98, which follows the coast. Smaller roads still had debris.

As of 7 a.m., 448,000 electricity customers in Florida were without power. Officials were inspecting the grid, DeSantis said.

Some 90% of customers in Santa Rosa County lacked power; in Holmes County, it was 89%; in Washington, 86%; Walton, 85%; Escambia, 75%; and Okaloosa, 53%.

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport near Panama City Beach was reopened, but Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola International airports remained closed.

Caution urged

Attorney General James Uthmeier cautioned against hiring unlicensed contractors to clear debris or make repairs. Often, these are fly-by-night operators from out of state, he said.

“They come in wanting to take advantage of the situation and market themselves as there to do roof repairs, other repairs. They’re often not licensed, not competent. They just want to take your money and run.”

Jared Purdue, Florida’s transportation secretary and emergency management director, also urged caution.

“Even though the storm has made landfall, dangerous conditions could remain,” he said. “Please avoid unnecessary travel to allow first responders, utility crews, and debris removal teams to work safely. Always assume downed lines are energized, stay away from damaged electrical equipment, and standing water near power lines. If there is standing water or flowing water on top of a road, please do not drive through it. It can be very dangerous.”

Jay Waagmeester reported from Pensacola.