Hurricane Isaias: what Pensacola needs to know

The situation as of Thursday morning, Oct. 8

• Where: In the southern Gulf about 380 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River, moving east-northeast near 10 mph.
• Strength: Maximum sustained winds near 85 mph (Category 1) and strengthening, with further intensification expected through early Friday.
• Track: A turn to the northeast and then north is forecast, bringing landfall along the northern Gulf Coast within the warning area late Friday or early Saturday.
• Warnings: A Hurricane Warning covers Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida — including all of the Pensacola area. A Storm Surge Warning runs from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River.

What it means for Pensacola

Storm surge: 5 to 7 feet possible

The NHC forecasts 5–7 feet of inundation above ground from Ocean Springs to Indian Pass, which includes Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, Navarre Beach and the shores of Pensacola, Escambia and East bays and Santa Rosa Sound, if the peak surge arrives at high tide. The deepest water will be near and east of where the center comes ashore. If you live in Zone A or B, follow your county's evacuation orders immediately.

Wind: hurricane conditions Friday night

Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin Friday, with hurricane conditions in the warning area Friday night into early Saturday. Bridges to Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and Navarre Beach typically close when sustained winds reach about 40 mph — plan to be off the islands well before then. The NHC is urging residents to prepare for long-duration power outages.

Rain and flooding

Forecast rainfall is 3–7 inches across the central Gulf Coast, with localized totals up to 15 inches possible in rain bands over the Florida Panhandle. Flash, urban and river flooding is possible; NWS Mobile has issued a Flood Watch. Remember how quickly Sally's rain flooded streets in 2020 — see our slow-storm explainer.

Tornadoes and surf

Isolated tornadoes are possible Friday night in coastal Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Life-threatening surf and rip currents are already building — stay out of the Gulf.

What to do today

1. Look up your evacuation zone and check Escambia County's Storm Center or Santa Rosa County EM for orders and open shelters.
2. Finish shutters, bring in outdoor items, and fill gas tanks and propane.
3. Photograph your home inside and out for insurance — before the storm. Use our checklist generator.
4. Charge phones and power banks; get cash; refill prescriptions.
5. Know where you will ride out the storm, and which interior room you will use if a tornado or extreme wind warning is issued.

Sources: National Hurricane Center Public Advisory and Forecast Discussion 8 for Hurricane Isaias (AL092026), Oct. 8, 2026; NWS Mobile alerts. This page summarizes official information and does not replace instructions from emergency officials.