Storm preparations ramp up across Gulf, Panhandle as Hurricane Isaias barrels toward to US

Hurricane Isaias continues to churn across the Gulf of America after days of development, threatening the northern Gulf Coast with dangerous winds, storm surge, flooding and even tropical tornadoes.

The rapid development and strengthening of Hurricane Isaias have given millions across the Gulf Coast only days to prepare, as sandbag distributions, school closures, emergency declarations and evacuations continue ahead of the storm’s arrival.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Tuesday for 25 Florida counties, allowing state agencies to position resources and prepare for potential impacts from Isaias across the Panhandle and Big Bend.

TIMELINE: WHERE TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS IS HEADED AND WHEN IT COULD BECOME A HURRICANE

The declaration allows emergency crews to mobilize resources and stage them strategically across portions of the state to be ready for rapid deployment if needed.

Across Florida, K-12 school districts have announced closures or early dismissals through Friday as Hurricane Isaias approaches.

The three largest districts affected are Escambia County, with roughly 36,800 students; Okaloosa County, with about 32,000; and Santa Rosa County, with nearly 29,600.

See the full list of Florida Department of Education school closures here.

Prolonged onshore winds, elevated water levels, high tides and persistent heavy rainfall will likely produce flooding along the coast of Florida.

Locations such as Panama City have already begun preparations, allowing residents and businesses to fill up to 10 sandbags each from Wednesday through Friday night, ahead of the impending flood threat from future Hurricane Isaias.

FUTURE HURRICANE ISAIAS TRACKER: STORM PATH, FORECAST CONE, SPAGHETTI MODELS, WIND AND FLOOD THREAT

Other cities, like Pensacola and Destin, are offering free sand at eight locations on a first-come, first-served basis. They are open 24 hours a day, according to Escambia County officials.

Along with this, Miami-based Emergency Sandbag Response has been activated amidst the growing trends of alerts, shipping thousands of sandbags north to assist communities preparing for the incoming heavy rain and severe flooding.

"The best time to move sandbags is before people are standing in line for them," said Founder of Emergency Sandbag Response, Albert Sotero. "Our goal is to help communities get ahead of the weather, so residents and emergency crews have one less problem to solve when conditions deteriorate."

The hurricane has entered an area favorable for development, with high ocean heat content and a moist mid-level atmosphere that allowed it to intensify, the FOX Forecast Center said.

DO SANDBAGS ACTUALLY PREVENT FLOODING? WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE A BIG STORM

Residents are being advised to fill sandbags in the coming days. The use of sandbags to stop flooding has been around for centuries, with their formal adoption for flood control following their military use in fortifying trenches.

Isaias will bring heavy rain, winds, tornadoes and some storm surge potential, according to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee.

Rainfall estimates are expected to range around 6 to 10 inches, triggering a flood threat for thousands along the coast.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for 40 counties as Isaias threatens the Gulf Coast. 

The proclamation activates the state’s emergency operations plan, directs the Alabama National Guard to prepare for activation and allows state agencies to coordinate resources, move emergency supplies and assist with damage assessments. 

"This will allow us to take any needed steps ahead of landfall," Gov. Ivey said.

The order also puts the state’s price-gouging law into effect and allows local officials to close government offices and schools based on conditions.

In Alabama, at least four county school districts — Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia and Clarke counties — have announced closures for Friday, Oct. 9, due to Isaias.

Baldwin County, home to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, is opening an emergency shelter in Robertsdale, providing sand for residents and closing government facilities as officials prepare for storm surge, flooding and dangerous winds.

In Mobile, FOX Weather crews captured video of grocery store shelves left empty ahead of Isaias.

Outside the Sunshine State, Mississippi has begun to prepare for the future hurricane, as the Mississippi Emergency Management (MEMA) is coordinating with first responders and the National Guard to deploy resources as requested ahead of the storm.

MEMA Executive Director Stephen "Mac" McCraney said residents should not wait for the forecast to become clearer before taking action.

"The threat is real, and now is the time to prepare," McCraney said. 

TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS CHURNS IN GULF AS OIL RIGS PREPARE FOR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS

"We have seen how quickly tropical systems can impact Mississippi. Tropical Storm Arthur in June brought tremendous amounts of rain, flash flooding and significant damage."

MEMA officials are urging Mississippians to use the next 72 hours to make the necessary preparations by checking for emergency supplies, charging all electronics, clear drainage areas, understanding your flood risk and to make an evacuation plan encase impacts become deadly.

Although Georgia is removed from Isaias’ expected Gulf Coast landfall zone, the state will not be spared as the storm moves inland, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and a threat for tornadoes.

HURRICANE ISAIAS THREATENS TO SWAMP GEORGIA-ALABAMA AND OTHER COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES

In Georgia, emergency officials are urging residents to complete storm preparations Thursday as watches spread across the state, while schools and event organizers move football games, festivals and other weekend activities ahead of Isaias’ expected rain, wind and tornado threats.

Tune into FOX Weather through the weekend to stay updated.

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