Weather
Pensacola, FL Weather Oct. 9: Hurricane Isaias Threatens 7-Foot Surge, 10 Inches of Rain
PENSACOLA, FL – Hurricane Isaias is forecast to make landfall near Pensacola Friday evening, Oct. 9, bringing potentially dangerous storm surge, flooding rainfall, destructive winds and a tornado thre
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-10-09T12:39:29.416Z
PENSACOLA, FL – Hurricane Isaias is forecast to make landfall near Pensacola Friday evening, Oct. 9, bringing potentially dangerous storm surge, flooding rainfall, destructive winds and a tornado threat to portions of the Florida Panhandle, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Isaias was a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph at 5 a.m. EDT Friday. The storm was moving north northeast at 15 mph, with landfall expected Friday evening.
The National Hurricane Center's storm surge forecast indicates water levels could reach 5 to 7 feet above ground level along portions of the coast from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Indian Pass, Florida.
Other coastal areas face varying surge threats, including 3 to 5 feet in Mobile Bay and portions of the coast west of Dauphin Island. From Indian Pass eastward toward the Steinhatchee River, surge could reach 4 to 6 feet.
Heavy rainfall presents another significant concern.
The Weather Service forecasts widespread rainfall totals of 4 to 10 inches across affected portions of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia. Isolated locations could approach 15 inches, although forecasters assign only a 10% chance of reaching or exceeding those higher totals.
A Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall, Level 3 of 4, covers portions of the region through Saturday afternoon. Considerable flash flooding and urban flooding are possible, along with minor flooding on some rivers.
A Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms, Level 2 of 5, also extends across portions of the region Friday into Saturday. Tornadoes could develop within tropical rainbands as the hurricane moves inland.
Forecasters warn that impacts could extend hundreds of miles east of the hurricane's center.
Residents in threatened coastal communities should complete remaining preparations immediately, follow local evacuation instructions and maintain multiple ways to receive emergency warnings.
The most immediate concern is Friday's expected landfall, followed by heavy rainfall, flooding and possible tornadoes continuing into Saturday.