Weather
Florida Big Bend Weather Oct. 9: Tornado Threat Increases as Hurricane Isaias Nears Landfall
Tallahassee, FL – A growing tornado threat is developing across Florida's Big Bend region Friday evening, Oct. 9, as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Florida Panhandle, with rotating thunderstorms alre
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-10T00:27:23.959Z
Tallahassee, FL – A growing tornado threat is developing across Florida's Big Bend region Friday evening, Oct. 9, as Hurricane Isaias approaches the Florida Panhandle, with rotating thunderstorms already detected offshore and several storms showing signs of potentially producing waterspouts.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, a 5:30 p.m. EDT update indicated that Isaias remained on track to make landfall somewhere along the Florida Panhandle Friday evening, while a boundary offshore continued drifting north.
Forecasters reported that thunderstorms south of the boundary had displayed significant rotation, with several likely producing waterspouts. However, storms moving north of the boundary have generally weakened as they encounter less favorable atmospheric conditions.
The National Weather Service warned that the boundary is gradually shifting northward and could move onshore Friday evening as Isaias approaches, potentially increasing the tornado threat across coastal communities.
All Florida Big Bend counties were urged to closely monitor the developing situation over the next several hours.
The tornado watch remained in effect at the time of the update.
Meanwhile, flash flood warnings were in effect along portions of the coast, primarily because of persistent rainfall bands moving onshore across the Apalachee Bay area.
Rainfall amounts were continuing to increase, accompanied by strengthening winds across the Florida Panhandle.
Forecasters reported sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph ahead of landfall, with gusts expected to increase through the evening, especially in areas under hurricane warnings.
Tropical storm conditions and hurricane conditions were expected to develop through Friday night, particularly across the Florida Panhandle and into southeastern Alabama.
Residents should remain weather aware, keep multiple ways to receive warnings and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.