Hurricane Isaias Updates: Pensacola, Escambia, Santa Rosa & Baldwin Counties
Hurricane Isaias Cone
Follow Hurricane Isaias updates for Pensacola, Navarre, Escambia County and Santa Rosa County, Florida, and Baldwin County, Alabama. Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio and SportsRadio Pensacola are sharing official forecasts and confirmed local information throughout the storm and recovery.
Latest forecast update: October 9, 2026 — 10 a.m. CDT.
All times are Central. Check each update’s timestamp for the most current information.
Latest Update: Isaias Expected Near Major Hurricane Strength at Landfall
At 10 a.m., Hurricane Isaias remained a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph, approximately 195 miles south of Pensacola, moving north-northeast at 16 mph.
The National Hurricane Center expects landfall along the western Florida Panhandle this evening, at or near major hurricane strength.
Tropical storm conditions are expected within the next few hours. Hurricane-force winds could spread approximately 100 miles inland into southern Alabama.
Storm Surge: Pensacola Bay, Pensacola Beach & Navarre
Storm Surge Warnings remain in effect for coastal Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. This includes Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze and Navarre.
Pensacola Bay & Coastal Escambia County
The 10 a.m. NWS local warning identifies potential inundation of 6–9 feet above ground somewhere within surge-prone areas of coastal Escambia County.
Pensacola Bay’s flooding will depend heavily on the storm’s precise track and wind direction. NWS identifies a track between Mobile Bay and Pensacola Bay as particularly dangerous for surge in Pensacola Bay and areas just east.
The county forecast is not a prediction of identical water depths along every part of Pensacola Bay. Waterfront residents should follow evacuation instructions for their specific location.
Navarre, Navarre Beach & Coastal Santa Rosa County
The 10 a.m. local warning also identifies potential inundation of 6–9 feet above ground somewhere within surge-prone areas of coastal Santa Rosa County, including the Navarre area.
The NWS morning briefing places both the Alabama/Florida border-to-Navarre and Navarre-to-Destin coastal stretches in the 6–9-foot potential inundation range.
When Could Water Rise?
The NWS briefing indicates:
- Inundation could begin this afternoon.
- Surge is expected to peak tonight.
- Water should begin receding Saturday morning, although some flooding could linger through Saturday.
These figures describe potential flooding above normally dry ground in affected areas. Actual depths will vary with location, elevation, storm track and tide timing. Large waves can add further danger.
Regional Storm Surge Forecast
The National Hurricane Center’s 10 a.m. forecast lists these potential heights above ground if peak surge coincides with high tide:
| Area | Potential inundation |
|---|---|
| Alabama/Florida border to Grayton Beach, including the Pensacola and Navarre coastal corridor | 6–9 feet |
| Dauphin Island to the Alabama/Florida border | 4–6 feet |
| Lower Mobile Bay | 3–5 feet |
| Upper Mobile Bay | 2–4 feet |
Rain, Tornadoes & Power Outages
Rainfall of 4–8 inches is forecast across southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, with isolated totals up to 15 inches.
Tornado risk increases this afternoon and tonight, especially east of the storm’s center. Prepare for extended power outages.
Follow evacuation orders immediately. Complete preparations and identify a safe room before conditions deteriorate.
Official Forecasts & Local Instructions
The briefing link may update during the event. Always check the timestamp inside the document.
Closures, Shelters & Recovery Updates
Confirmed local announcements will be added here as they become available, including school closures, shelters, road restrictions, utility restoration and reopening information.
Each entry will identify the affected area, effective time and source.
Stay Connected
Listen for local coverage on Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio and SportsRadio Pensacola, online and through our station apps.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips & Checklist
Text local observations to 850-430-1987, including the location and time. Listener reports require verification. Call 911 for emergencies.
Earlier Updates
Previous updates will appear below. Refer to the newest timestamped entry for current conditions and instructions.
