Tropical Storm Isaias: Which 25 Florida Counties are Affected? DeSantis Declares State Of Emergency, Check Storm Path, Hurricane Threat, Landfall & Flooding Risk

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 25 Florida counties as Tropical Storm Isaias strengthens over the Gulf of America and heads toward the northern Gulf Coast. The emergency order was signed on October 6, when the system was still known as Tropical Depression Nine. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Isaias on October 7.

The storm is forecast to intensify further, with weather officials warning of heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and coastal impacts later this week. The National Weather Service expects Isaias to approach the Gulf Coast around Friday before moving inland.

Why Did DeSantis Declare a State of Emergency for 25 Florida Counties?

DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-202 on October 6 ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression Nine. The order allows Florida emergency officials to move resources into position and prepare for possible storm-related emergencies.

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The Florida State Emergency Response Team has been mobilising equipment and supplies, including generators, fuel, flood barriers, water, shelf-stable meals, tarps, flood buckets, Tiger Dams and sandbags.

The governor urged Floridians to review their disaster plans and make sure their hurricane supply kits are stocked.

Which 25 Florida Counties Are Under the Emergency Declaration?

The state of emergency covers the following 25 counties:

• Baker

• Bay

• Calhoun

• Columbia

• Dixie

• Escambia

• Franklin

• Gadsden

• Gilchrist

• Gulf

• Hamilton

• Holmes

• Jackson

• Jefferson

• Lafayette

• Leon

• Liberty

• Madison

• Okaloosa

• Santa Rosa

• Suwannee

• Taylor

• Walton

• Wakulla

• Washington

These counties cover parts of North Florida, the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend region.

Tropical Storm Isaias Latest Update: How Strong Is the Storm?

Tropical Depression Nine strengthened into Tropical Storm Isaias early Wednesday, October 7.

The National Weather Service reported initial maximum sustained winds of about 35 knots, or 40 mph, with higher gusts. At around 5 a.m. EDT, Isaias was located near 22.0N, 94.1W and moving east-northeast at about 7 knots.

Forecasters expect the system to strengthen as it moves across the Gulf.

Is Tropical Storm Isaias Expected to Become a Hurricane?

Yes. Current forecasts indicate that Isaias could strengthen into a hurricane on Thursday as it moves across the Gulf.

The National Weather Service’s Gulf forecast showed the storm strengthening to hurricane intensity near the central Gulf on Thursday morning before continuing toward the northern Gulf Coast.

However, the exact strength and location at landfall can change as the storm develops. Residents in potentially affected areas should follow updates from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency officials.