First hurricane makes landfall on U.S. mainland in 2 years, Isaias hits Florida

(Central News Agency, Pensacola, Florida, comprehensive foreign news report on the 9th) The U.S. National Hurricane Center said that Hurricane Isaias made landfall in Florida this evening, becoming the first hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Hurricane Milton in 2024.

The latest advisory from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said: "Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida. Life-threatening storm surges are affecting the Gulf of Mexico coast, and dangerous hurricane conditions and flash flooding are spreading inland."

Agence France-Presse reported earlier that the outer circulation of Isaias brought strong winds and heavy rain to the U.S. Gulf Coast today. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in several Florida counties, but large swaths of the southeastern United States are expected to be affected.

Isaias is the first hurricane of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which began in June. El Nino, a phenomenon of historic intensity, suppresses hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean. El Niño typically prompts more large storms in the Pacific.

Affected by record-high seawater temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico caused by climate change, Isaias rapidly intensified and was once a Category 3 hurricane. It is currently downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane.

AFP reporters reported on the scene that a convoy of trucks equipped with telescopic booms and hanging baskets passed through the cities of Pensacola and Navarre in Florida to the assembly point to prepare for the power outage. Local businesses were closed and water service to buildings was suspended.

Forecasters earlier predicted that Isaias would hit the western Florida Panhandle at or near major hurricane strength before gradually weakening over land.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at a press conference earlier: "We have prepared a large amount of materials and manpower to respond when the storm hits." He also called on the public to prepare their own fuel, drinking water and durable food.

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Affected by the hurricane, US President Trump canceled his planned trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to watch a college football game tomorrow.

Two northwest Florida airports have suspended operations. Oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico has also been affected, and personnel on relevant platforms and drilling equipment have been evacuated. (Compiled by: Lu Yingzi) 1151010