Isaias is now a ‘major’ hurricane barreling toward northern Gulf Coast

Note: We will update this story as the situation develops.

PENSACOLA — Isaias is now a Category 3 hurricane, a designation that puts it in the category of “major” hurricanes.

The National Hurricane Center reports sustained winds of 120 mph and stronger gusts. The storm was traveling toward the northern Gulf Coast at 15 mph and could make landfall Friday night.

“We have the resources that we need in place, to be able to respond, to be able to help people in need, and to be able to rapidly get things back to normal, from power restoration to the economy,” DeSantis said Friday morning.

According to DeSantis, Florida Power & Light has 16,000 linemen and personnel mobilized.

“Assume you’re going to lose power,” DeSantis said — and how quickly it comes back on depends upon where damage is sustained.

People as far away as Central Florida should take precautionary measures, the governor said, as rain bands from Isaias could extend that far.

Given that DeSantis on Thursday added Citrus and Levy counties to the areas of the state under emergency order. With the Thursday additions, there are now  27 counties identified in the governor’s emergency order.

Hurricanes are categorized by number between 1 and 5 assigned based on the storm’s maximum sustained wind speed. Officially called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, Category 3, 4, and 5 hurricanes are considered “major.”

According to the he National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, during a major storm, “Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

Meanwhile, Pensacola residents, businesses, and utilities have been heeding the governor’s advice.

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority said it is temporarily shutting down water and sewer services on Pensacola Beach, a barrier island, beginning at 3 p.m.

The shutdown is being done to help reduce the potential for sewer backups and overflows during the storm.

Pensacola residents flocked to stores Thursday including the Wal-Mart in west Pensacola, where they scurried to buy hurricane supplies. Bottled water was being replenished on a rolling basis by the pallet-load by store employees.

Chips, bread, lunch meat, and other staples were nearly gone from the shelves. Toilet paper remained well-stocked.

Vienna sausages, canned chicken, and canned tuna were all nearly sold out.

Naval Air Station Pensacola planned to close at noon Friday to non-mission essential personnel because of the storm, officials announced via Instagram. NAS Whiting Field was moving aircraft off-base, too. Similarly, Eglin Air Force Base, the Panhandle’s enormous weapons range, evacuated airworthy aircraft and move non-flyable craft into hangars, according to its Instagram. Some service members and their families were ordered to evacuate.