Hurricane Isaias has left nearly 1 million people without power after making landfall on the Gulf Coast.
What happened
The storm made landfall in Florida as a Category 2 hurricane, causing widespread power outages across the state, as well as in Alabama and Georgia. Approximately 430,000 people in Florida were affected, with around 900,000 residents in total losing power across the three states. Despite the significant disruption, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the storm's impact was mitigated due to its weakening after landfall.
The Trump administration has authorized federal emergency declarations for Florida and Alabama, enabling the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide aid to the affected states. Governor DeSantis has deployed 5,000 National Guard troops to assist with the response, including 400 soldiers to assess damage and clear routes.
Utility crews are prepared to begin power restoration work as soon as conditions are safe, with 16,000 lineworkers and support personnel mobilized for the task. However, Governor DeSantis warned that the restoration process may not be instantaneous, and residents should be prepared for potential delays.
