TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents statewide to remain alert during a 2:30 p.m. briefing as Hurricane Isaias rapidly strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.
DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties in North Florida and the Panhandle.
Despite the targeted emergency zone, the National Hurricane Center warned that the storm’s impact will be broad, bringing up to nine inches of rainfall, destructive winds, isolated tornadoes and coastal storm surge far beyond the immediate landfall area.
Hurricane Isaias quickly transitioned from a tropical depression into a hurricane. State officials noted that storms in the Gulf of Mexico can intensify rapidly prior to landfall, which could cause localized weather conditions to deteriorate faster than anticipated.
State officials also highlighted risks facing new residents, noting that approximately 450,000 people have moved to Florida over the past two years without experiencing a hurricane firsthand. State leaders are pushing for total awareness because a lack of experience or complacency could put families at risk.
Landfall is expected late Friday night or early Saturday morning.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.