Key Developments

Post-tropical cyclone Isaias is continuing its weakening trend as it tracks further inland across Alabama, with forecasts indicating it will enter the Tennessee Valley later Saturday and into Sunday. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Destin, Florida, on Friday night, still carries maximum sustained winds near 35 mph with higher gusts, according to CBS Meteorologist Rob Marciano.

The immediate impact has been widespread power outages, with more than 884,000 customers in the Southeast left without electricity as of Saturday morning. Over 860,000 of these outages are concentrated in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey expressed concerns about "strong winds, heavy rain and possible spinoff tornadoes" as Isaias traverses the state, urging residents to stay informed and heed local warnings.

Despite its weakening, Isaias poses a significant threat of heavy rainfall and flooding. Through the weekend, southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, and southwest Georgia are expected to receive up to 8 inches of rain, with localized totals potentially reaching 15 inches. The remainder of the Southeast, including the Southern Appalachians and coastal Carolinas, could see up to 5 inches, with isolated areas experiencing up to 10 inches. The National Hurricane Center anticipates Isaias will continue to slowly weaken throughout Saturday and dissipate on Sunday.

Key Takeaways

  • Nearly 900,000 customers are without power across the Southeast U.S., predominantly in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, following Isaias's landfall.
  • Though weakened to a post-tropical cyclone, Isaias still brings strong winds and a significant threat of heavy rain and flash, urban, and river flooding.
  • The storm is forecast to dissipate by Sunday, but localized rainfall could reach up to 15 inches in some areas, particularly southern Alabama and parts of Florida and Georgia.

Why It Matters

Even as Isaias weakens and transitions into a post-tropical cyclone, its remnants continue to pose substantial risks across the Southeast. The widespread power outages underscore the immediate disruption to nearly a million people, while the persistent threat of heavy rainfall and potential tornadoes highlights the ongoing danger to life and property. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow local emergency guidance, as the storm's lingering effects, especially flooding, could continue to impact communities through the weekend.