Gov. Ron DeSantis has expanded Florida's state of emergency to 27 counties as Hurricane Isaias barrels toward the western Panhandle, with the powerful Category 3 storm expected to make landfall sometime Friday evening.
The latest emergency declaration expands on an earlier order covering 25 counties as state officials mobilize thousands of emergency personnel, National Guard troops and utility crews ahead of what could be a devastating storm for portions of Northwest Florida.
As Patch previously reported as of 5 p.m. EDT Friday, Isaias was located approximately 90 miles south of Pensacola, moving north at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.
Forecasters expect the hurricane to make landfall along the western Florida Panhandle Friday evening, bringing life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds, flash flooding and the possibility of tornadoes.
Forecasters have said storm surge of 6 to 9 feet is possible along portions of the western Panhandle, while rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected across the Panhandle, Big Bend and surrounding areas. Some locations could receive as much as 15 inches of rain.
Earlier Friday, the governor visited the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center in Pensacola with U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody to discuss the approaching hurricane and ongoing preparations.
The expanded emergency declaration allows state agencies to coordinate resources and expedite response efforts as the hurricane approaches.
Florida officials said approximately 5,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen have been activated and positioned throughout areas expected to experience the greatest impacts.
The Florida National Guard has more than 1,300 tactical vehicles, 20 boats, eight helicopters and 50 construction and route-clearing vehicles available for response operations.
DeSantis said another 13 route-clearing teams have been activated to begin removing debris and reopening roads immediately following landfall.
The Florida State Guard has also deployed nearly 400 personnel to assist with search-and-rescue operations, damage assessments, debris removal and emergency supply distribution.
State officials said more than 16,000 utility linemen and restoration personnel are standing by to begin restoring electricity after the storm passes.
The Florida Highway Patrol has also positioned emergency response teams and equipment across the region, including high-water rescue vehicles, chainsaw crews and mobile command centers.
Even ahead of its landfall, the hurricane has already caused widespread disruptions across Northwest Florida.
Pensacola International Airport, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport have closed to commercial service.
The Port of Pensacola and Port Panama City have also suspended waterside and landside operations.
Numerous school districts, colleges and universities across the Panhandle and North Florida canceled classes or adjusted operations Friday.
The Florida Department of Corrections says it has evacuated inmates from six facilities, including the Pensacola and Panama City community release centers, as well as the Okaloosa and Century work camps.
Weekend visitation has also been canceled at correctional institutions across North Florida.
Meanwhile, special needs shelters have opened in Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Walton and Washington counties.
State transportation officials said more than 1,100 personnel are conducting storm preparations, with 260 pieces of heavy equipment, 1,400 generators and 100 pumps available for deployment.
Bridges could close when sustained winds reach 39 mph or higher, while transportation officials are monitoring major roadways for flooding and other hazards.
Florida officials say they are also working with private businesses to provide transportation and lodging assistance for residents evacuating ahead of Isaias.
To that end, Uber announced it is offering free round-trip transportation to state-approved evacuation shelters, with discounts of up to $40 each way.
Residents can also enter the promotional code ISAIAS26 in the Uber app before requesting transportation to an approved shelter.
Separately, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has encouraged hotels and other lodging establishments to waive pet restrictions and associated fees for evacuees.
The Florida Department of Health has mobilized emergency medical transportation resources and is coordinating with health care facilities across the affected region.
State officials said evacuations have already been reported at several health care facilities, while emergency supplies, including food, water and medical equipment, have been positioned for distribution after landfall.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local emergency management announcements and follow evacuation orders issued by county officials.
Additional information about shelters, emergency resources and hurricane preparedness is available at FloridaDisaster.org.
For updates on roadway closures and travel conditions, motorists can visit FL511.com.
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