Hurricane Isaias is threatening the United States with deadly flooding and powerful winds, while health officials are cautioning residents in its projected path about a potentially fatal flesh-eating infection.
The storm rapidly strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane over the Gulf on Thursday afternoon. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said emergency preparations were underway for Isaias to reach the coast as a Category 3 system late Friday or early Saturday.
Storm surge could reach seven feet along areas near and east of Isaias’ eye on the Northern Gulf Coast. As seawater moves into neighborhoods and buildings, experts warn it could transport dangerous bacteria inland.
The Florida Department of Health says hurricane-related flooding and pools of standing water can increase the risk of exposure to Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria commonly associated with warm coastal waters.
The pathogen can infect the body through even small cuts, abrasions or puncture wounds. In severe cases, it rapidly destroys tissue, causes septic shock and can lead to death within 24 to 48 hours.
Dr. Norma Beatty of the University of Florida College of Medicine told Our News Outlet that Vibrio infections typically increase after hurricanes.
She explained that Gulf storm surge can push contaminated seawater into residential areas and homes, leaving people to walk through floodwater that may contain the bacteria.
Beatty urged anyone whose cuts come into contact with Gulf storm surge to rinse the wounds carefully with clean water and monitor them for any signs of infection.
Hurricane Isaias threatens the US with life-threatening flooding and winds as doctors warn residents about flesh-eating bacteria
Florida reported 74 Vibrio infections and 17 deaths in 2022, the same year Hurricane Ian struck the state.
The figures rose further in 2024 after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, when health officials recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths.
In both years, the number of deaths was significantly higher than the average of approximately 10 per year recorded between 2017 and October 8, 2026.
Chamteut Oh, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, told the Tallahassee Democrat that the post-storm rise in bacteria represents a serious potential concern.
Oh said residents may not understand how bacterial levels change, but should know that these pathogens can surge soon after Isaias and remain present for an extended period.
Hurricane warnings cover sections of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, southwestern Alabama and Florida’s Panhandle, along with some inland communities in Alabama and Florida.
The National Hurricane Center reported maximum sustained winds of 100 mph on Thursday afternoon, putting Isaias above the 96 mph minimum required for Category 2 classification.
The National Weather Service warned residents to prepare for life-threatening winds capable of producing impacts associated with a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane.
Florida health officials say hurricane flooding and standing water can expose residents to Vibrio vulnificus
The National Weather Service said residents should immediately finish any remaining measures designed to protect lives and property.
The storm has prompted evacuations in Florida’s Okaloosa and Gulf Counties, while the rest of the Panhandle remains under a state of emergency.
Alabama has also issued a state of emergency for counties along the Gulf.
The NWS said: ‘Evacuation efforts should soon be brought to completion before driving conditions become unsafe.
‘Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or needlessly risk lives.’
The weather agency told communities from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Gulf County, Florida, to prepare for the possibility of ‘long-duration power outages.’
Fears of a devastating storm have left shelves empty in towns and cities along the US Gulf Coast, as locals stock up on everything from toilet paper to water and canned food.
Images on social media show long lines at gas stations and depleted supermarket shelves.
Forecast models track Isaias approaching the US coast on Friday, with landfall expected sometime that evening into early Saturday, striking between Biloxi, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida
Locals have been told to prepare now as the hurricane moves closer to the US coast. Above are the owners of the Islander Ice Cream restaurant in Gulf Breeze, Florida
Florida local Stephen Page posted on Facebook: ‘Stores are already run over, and shelves are empty at many places.
‘Lines at gas stations are long, and people are in full prep mode. So again, I say, if you haven’t started, now is the time!’
Another Floridian, Stephanie Michelle, said she experienced panic buying at the grocery store.
‘The store was full, the parking lot was full, shelves were empty, and the carts were all full! People were everywhere, and traffic was a nightmare,’ she added.
Panic buying hit states in Isaias’ path, with locals stocking up on everything from toilet paper to water and bread, leaving shelves empty
Gast stations were packed with cars ahead of the storm
The Atlantic has yet to produce a hurricane in 2026, putting the season within reach of a record set in 1905 for the latest first hurricane.
If forecast models are correct and Isaias develops into a hurricane, it would be deemed a record-breaking storm.
Meteorologist Matt Devitt said on X: ‘Isaias will likely be one of the most significant storms of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season with a landfall in the US.’
