FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 9, 2026 |
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Hurricane Isaias Community Brief: Residents Urged to Limit Travel
Leon County Government is in close coordination with the National Weather Service in Tallahassee and our local first responder agencies to monitor Hurricane Isaias. Isaias remains a major Category 3 hurricane and is expected to make landfall this evening within the Hurricane Warning area west of our region. A Tropical Storm Warning, a Flood Watch and now a Tornado Watch are in effect for Leon County, and heavy rain and flooding remain the most serious threat to our community. The County is urging residents to avoid non-essential travel from this evening through Saturday and to stay out of flood waters. The County's Emergency Operations Center is in 24-hour activation, and the State resources the County requested are mobilized. For up-to-the-minute emergency information, visit the County's Emergency Information Portal at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. "Leon County is taking every precaution as Hurricane Isaias moves toward the northern Gulf Coast. The County Emergency Operations Center is activated around the clock, our emergency management team is coordinating closely with local and State partners, and the resources needed to respond are in place," said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. "I encourage every resident to stay informed, avoid flooded roadways and check on neighbors who may need assistance. We have faced severe weather together before, and by staying prepared, following official guidance and looking out for one another, we can help keep our community safe." "Leon County remains fully engaged and prepared as Hurricane Isaias approaches, as we maintain close coordination with the National Weather Service in Tallahassee and our local first responder agencies to monitor changing conditions and respond as needed," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. "While the storm's track remains west of our region, heavy rainfall and flooding continue to pose the greatest risk to Leon County, particularly with already saturated ground. We urge residents to complete any remaining preparations, remain vigilant and rely on official sources for the latest information. Our teams are ready, and we ask everyone to do the same." Travel and Flood Safety Limit travel: Avoid non-essential travel from this evening through Saturday, especially after dark, when water on the road is hard to see. Turn around, don't drown: The National Weather Service notes that more than half of all flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into flood water, and 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars. Never drive or walk into flood water or around barricades. Know the water risks: Ditches, creeks, retention ponds and storm drains can carry fast-moving water. Keep children and pets away, and treat every downed power line as live. Rivers rise later: River levels can keep rising for days after the rain ends. The National Weather Service forecasts minor flooding on a few area rivers, and moderate river flooding is possible.
Storm Update Strength and position: As of the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. advisory, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, making it a Category 3 storm, with the center about 195 miles south of Pensacola and moving north-northeast at 16 mph. Forecast: Landfall is expected this evening within the Hurricane Warning area. Isaias is expected to weaken after landfall and lose its tropical characteristics by late Saturday. The National Hurricane Center says that regardless of its exact strength at landfall, Isaias will be a dangerous hurricane with significant storm surge, damaging winds and flooding rains. Wind field: Isaias continues to grow. Tropical-storm-force winds now extend up to 205 miles from the center, up from 125 miles Thursday evening, and hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles. Watches and warnings (unchanged): A Hurricane Warning covers the coast from Ocean Springs, Miss., to the Bay/Gulf county line. A Tropical Storm Warning covers the coast east to the Aucilla River and extends inland to Leon County. A Storm Surge Warning runs from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River, with 4 to 6 feet of surge possible from Indian Pass to the Steinhatchee River.
What It Means for Leon County Timing: Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to spread inland this evening, with rain bands continuing through Saturday. The National Weather Service advises residents to stay in their safe place once the winds arrive. Rain and flooding (greatest threat): The National Weather Service expects 4 to 10 inches of rain across the region, with localized totals up to 15 inches, and about 6 to 8 inches in Leon County. Our area is under a moderate risk (level 3 of 4) for excessive rainfall through Saturday, and the Flood Watch runs through Saturday evening. Where rain bands repeat, considerable flash and urban flooding is possible. Wind: Leon County may receive strong gusts starting later today and into Saturday morning. On saturated ground, gusty winds can bring down trees and cause power outages. Tornadoes: The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Leon County. Conditions favor a few tornadoes in the storm's rain bands this afternoon and tonight, with more possible Saturday as a slow-moving band crosses the Big Bend. Keep cell phones well charged, and make sure you can receive warnings at any hour, including overnight. If a warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding.
State and Local Actions Local state of emergency: Leon County's local state of emergency took effect at 5 p.m. Thursday and remains in effect through 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, unless extended. It aligns with Gov. Ron DeSantis' Executive Order 26-202, as amended by Executive Order 26-211, which covers 27 Florida counties, including Leon County. Emergency Operations Center: The County's EOC moved to a 24-hour activation at 7 a.m. today, and State, local and nonprofit partners are working alongside County staff through the storm. State resources: At the County's request, the State of Florida has staged two high-water vehicles and crews in Leon County to support Tallahassee Fire Department search and rescue if needed. Roads: Public Works crews placed barricades at known flood-prone roads this morning and will check low-lying areas at 5 p.m. today and again before dawn Saturday. Cut-and-toss teams are on standby to clear roads once it is safe to do so. Lake Talquin: Emergency Management is coordinating closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which operates the Lake Talquin dam. FDEP alerts downstream residents by text, phone and door-to-door notification. Residents with questions about the dam or river levels can call FDEP at 850-404-4106. EMS: EMS is adding units tonight, Saturday morning and Saturday night. After the storm: County damage assessment teams are ready to document flood damage to homes and property. In coordination with the State of Florida, a host shelter may be opened after the storm passes, depending on impacts, and the American Red Cross is identifying a potential site. Any shelter information will be posted at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei.
County Closures and Service Changes Leon County Government offices and facilities closed at noon today, Friday, Oct. 9, as Hurricane Isaias approaches the region. The early closure is intended to help keep residents and employees off the roads as weather conditions deteriorate and allow County staff to transition quickly into disaster response and support roles. Emergency Management, EMS and all other essential operations will continue throughout the storm to protect the health and safety of our community. Closed at noon today: County offices, libraries, community centers, Rural Waste Service Centers and County outdoor activities, including campgrounds and sports-related activities. Reopening: Libraries and Rural Waste Service Centers are expected to reopen at their normal hours Saturday once windy conditions have subsided. Community centers and campground reservations resume Sunday, and all County offices and outdoor activities resume normal hours Monday, Oct. 12. Canceled: Saturday's cross country meet at Apalachee Regional Park and the Jubilee Music Festival at The Adderley Amphitheater. Rescheduled: This Saturday's Volunteer Fire Truck Round Up will be rescheduled to Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tom Brown Park. Partner closures: The Florida Department of Health in Leon County and the Leon County Property Appraiser's Office closed at noon today.
School and University/College Closures Leon County Schools released early today, Oct. 9, and all after-school activities today were canceled. Florida State University's Tallahassee campuses, including the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, suspended normal business operations at noon today. FSU's Coastal and Marine Lab in St. Teresa is closed today. Florida A&M University's main campus moved to remote classes this morning, and afternoon classes were canceled. Tallahassee State College canceled all classes and closed all campuses today, Oct. 9.
What You Can Do Now The center of Hurricane Isaias is forecast to stay west of Leon County, but its impacts extend well beyond the center, and Tropical Storm, Flood and Tornado watches and warnings are in effect for Leon County. Residents should stay home if they can and be ready to act quickly tonight. Make sure you can receive weather alerts at any hour, including overnight. Download the Citizens Connect mobile app and keep your phone charged. Never drive or walk through flooded roadways. Even shallow-looking water can hide a washed-out road. Turn around, don't drown. Treat floodwater as contaminated and keep children out of it. Avoid skin contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or wounds. With a Tornado Watch in effect, residents of mobile and manufactured homes should consider staying with friends or family in a sturdy building tonight. Residents with private wells that flood can call the Florida Department of Health in Leon County at 850-895-8360 for guidance. If water is rising around your home, move to higher ground. If you are trapped or in danger, call 911. If someone in your home has special medical needs and may need help during a storm, register with the Leon County Special Needs Registry at SNR.FLHealthResponse.com.
Stay Informed To stay up to date on Leon County preparedness and response, use the following resources: LeonReady.com: The Leon Ready website is a hub of resources to help you, your family and your neighborhood prepare for disasters, including the County's Disaster Survival Guide and a full list of supplies for your disaster bucket. Citizens Connect mobile app: Get emergency push notifications on your smartphone and be the first to know about shelter locations, road closures and service changes. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Emergency Information Portal: Hosting the same information as the Citizens Connect app, the Emergency Information Portal can be accessed on a desktop or a mobile browser by visiting LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. Road closures: County roads at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei, state roads at FL511.com and City of Tallahassee roads at Talgov.com. 88.9 WFSU-FM: Tune in for the most up-to-date information from local public safety officials. WFSU, Leon County and the City of Tallahassee remain committed to getting information out on the radio as soon as possible. iHeartRadio: Updates on WFLA-FM 100.7, WFLF-FM 94.5, WTNT 94.9, KISS-FM 107.1, X-FM 101.5 and The Beat-FM 105.3. Lifeline Connection (formerly 2-1-1 Big Bend): For community information, services and support around the clock, dial 2-1-1 or 850-617-6333. Leon County Citizens Information Line: Call 850-606-3700 with questions about the storm. City of Tallahassee: For updates on City of Tallahassee Utilities and other City services, visit Talgov.com. Insurance Consumer Helpline: Insurance specialists with the Florida Department of Financial Services answer questions about coverage and advocate for consumers in disputes with insurance companies. Call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) toll-free, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Price gouging: During a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell or lease certain commodities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price. To report price gouging, call 1-866-966-7226.
Once you and your family are settled, check on your neighbors by phone, especially older adults and people who live alone. Neighborhoods that look out for one another create strong support networks that are vital to a speedy recovery. Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes; a Tornado Warning means a tornado is occurring or imminent, and you should take shelter immediately. A Tropical Storm Warning means sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within the warning area. A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding; be ready to act quickly if a Flood Warning is issued for your area. Leon County will share updates as conditions change. For current information about local preparedness and response, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. For media inquiries, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at 850-606-5300 or CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov. ### |
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