The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, warned this Wednesday that the east side of tropical storm Isaías —which he described as the "dirty side" of the system— could cause impacts throughout the Panhandle, as the cyclone continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico.
In messages posted on his X profile, DeSantis stated that his administration is preparing for Isaias to make landfall in the Mobile-Pensacola region as a category 3 hurricane.
He also emphasized that it is better to prepare for a more severe scenario, even if the system ultimately arrives with less intensity.
The governor explained that the eastern side of the cyclone, which is expected to be large, would be responsible for extending much of the effects over the northwest of Florida.
His warning coincides with the most recent messages from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which alerted about an increasing risk of hurricane-force winds in parts of the Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi.
The NHC also maintains a hurricane watch from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Indian Pass, Florida, as well as a storm surge watch from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Yankeetown, Florida.
The agency also warned of heavy rains, flash flooding, and potential urban flooding as the system moves towards the northern Gulf coast.
Hours earlier, the NHC had indicated that Isaias was continuing to gain strength and could become the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. According to that forecast, the cyclone could reach winds of 75 mph on Thursday and continue to intensify on Friday as it approaches land.
Meanwhile, Florida activated preparation measures in response to the threat of the system.
DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency in 25 counties in the northern and northwestern parts of the state, and authorities have made available a form for reporting excessive price increases on essential goods and services during the emergency.
Given that outlook, the governor's message was clear: it is unwise to rely on the wind shear to weaken the system before impact.
For now, the official call is to prepare for a major hurricane and to follow the guidance of local authorities.
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