About Hurricane Isaias
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on October 10, 2026, as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph before dissipating on October 12, 2026. You can access official tracking data and advisories via the National Hurricane Center. [1, 2, 3]
Key Meteorological Details
- Peak Intensity: Reached Category 3 status with 120 mph winds and a central pressure of 959 mbar before weakening slightly prior to landfall.
- Landfall Location: Touched down near Destin, Florida, around 8:30 PM CDT on October 10, 2026.
Impacts and Damage
- Sting Jet Winds: An unusual phenomenon known as a "sting jet" caused severe inland wind gusts, reaching 118 mph in Jay, 117 mph in Gulf Breeze (Oral Beach), and 114 mph in Milton.
- Tornadoes: At least 24 tornadoes (EF0 to EF2) were confirmed across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina from October 9–11, 2026.
- Rainfall and Flooding: Heavy rains triggered flooding across western North Carolina and parts of the southeastern United States.
- Casualties and Cost: The storm resulted in 9 or more fatalities and an estimated $2 billion or more in damages.
- Post-Storm Analysis: Local weather offices like the National Weather Service Wilmington, NC, and NWS Mobile have continued documenting extensive damage paths and wind swaths. [1, 2, 3, 4]
We're On YouTube
Follow CHELCO’s response and restoration efforts following Hurricane Isaias. This YouTube playlist brings together video updates from throughout the restoration process, highlighting work across our service territory and the employees and crews working to safely restore power to our members.
From field crews navigating storm damage to employees supporting operations behind the scenes, these videos provide a closer look at the teamwork, coordination, and commitment required during a major restoration event.
Thank you to our members for their patience and support, and to the employees, contractors, and mutual aid personnel who worked tirelessly throughout the restoration effort.



