By admin 
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Powerful Hurricane Isaias made landfall at 8:30 p.m. near Destin, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A NOAA National Ocean Service water level gauge in Panama City Beach, Florida, recently reported a water level of 5.6 feet above mean higher high water, which is an approximation of inundation in that area.
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Additionally, a wind gust to 116 mph with a sustained wind of 91 mph was reported at a WeatherFlow station near Santa Rosa Sound, Florida; and a wind gust to 100 mph with a sustained wind of 63 mph was reported at a WeatherSTEM station near Pensacola.
Current warnings
- A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwanee River in Florida.
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Ocean Springs to the Gulf County in Florida.
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, to Ocean Springs, and Gulf County to the Aucilla River in Florida.
What current warnings mean
- A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
- A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
- A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
Watch, advisory, warning: What’s the difference?
- A watch is issued when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. A watch means that hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens and they should listen for later information and possible warnings especially when planning travel or outdoor activities.
- An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings, that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.
- A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.
‘Key messages’ from National Hurricane Center at 4 p.m.
The National Hurricane Center identified these “key messages” in its 4 p.m. advisory Friday:
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- A life-threatening storm surge is expected from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Suwannee, Florida. Residents under evacuation orders should leave immediately and follow advice from local officials.
- Extremely dangerous and damaging hurricane force-winds are expected over portions of the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Residents in these areas should have a safe room to ride out the storm and prepare for long-duration power outages.
- Damaging wind gusts are likely over a large portion of the southeastern United States from western and northern Georgia and the southern Appalachians, westward over much of central and northern Alabama, southern middle Tennessee, and Mississippi, especially in areas of higher terrain. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, avoid driving high-profile vehicles, prepare for power outages, and be aware of the potential for falling trees.
- Isaias will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S. Gulf coast and much of the Southeast through the weekend. Considerable flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding, will be possible. Landslides are also possible across the Southern Appalachians.
- The tornado potential will continue through tonight. The greatest risk will be east of the center, particularly across the Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia. This risk will continue spreading north-northeast across parts of the Southeast on Saturday.