The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States announced on Saturday the removal of all storm surge and tropical storm warnings related to Isaias, as its maximum sustained winds dropped to 35 mph (55 km/h) while moving across Alabama. Although the NHC will cease issuing its own bulletins about the system, the threat of flooding remains.
This decision was outlined in advisory number 15 from the NHC, effective at 5:00 a.m. Miami time (09:00 UTC) on October 10. The report confirmed that no cyclone warnings or watches are currently in effect. However, this does not eliminate the potential for adverse weather and local alerts related to rain, flooding, or tornadoes.
As of that time, the center of the post-tropical cyclone was positioned roughly 25 miles south-southwest of Montgomery, Alabama, moving northward at 14 mph, with a central pressure estimated at 1,002 millibars. The technical forecast still predicted gusts reaching up to approximately 52 mph, exceeding its sustained wind speeds.
Continuing Flood Risks in Florida and Neighboring States
The NHC maintains a forecast of accumulated rainfall ranging from 4 to 8 inches during the event through the weekend in southern Alabama, northwest Florida—including the Panhandle and Big Bend areas—and southwestern Georgia. In certain parts of Florida, especially under persistent rain bands, totals could reach as high as 15 inches. These are projected amounts for the event, not recently measured rainfall totals.
Flash, urban, and river flooding risks persist, along with potential landslides in the southern Appalachians. The bulletin also warns of possible tornadoes throughout Saturday morning and afternoon in parts of the eastern Florida Panhandle, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The official weather discussion notes that heavy rainfall may extend into the Tennessee Valley and the southern Appalachians.
Hazardous Surf Continues in Western Cuba
Despite the removal of storm surge and tropical storm warnings, the NHC cautions that swells generated by Isaias will continue to impact the coasts of the U.S. Gulf and Mexico, as well as western Cuba, over the weekend. These waves could create dangerous swimming conditions and rip currents that pose a threat to life. The bulletin does not indicate tropical storm or storm surge warnings for Cuba.
In the Florida Gulf Coast, water levels associated with the surge are expected to decrease throughout Saturday, according to the forecast.
The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) will take over the subsequent advisories starting at 11:00 a.m. Miami time (15:00 UTC). The remnants of Isaias are projected to move toward the Tennessee and Ohio valleys as the system weakens and could dissipate by Sunday.
Isaias Storm Advisory FAQ
What is the current status of Isaias?
As of the latest advisory, Isaias has weakened to a post-tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 35 mph, moving across Alabama.
Are there any remaining warnings for Florida?
All storm surge and tropical storm warnings have been lifted for Florida, but there remains a risk of flooding and severe weather.
What weather impacts can be expected in the coming days?
Heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding, tornadoes, and hazardous surf are expected in affected areas through the weekend.