Storm: Storm “Isaias” hits the US Gulf Coast – hundreds of thousands without power

The storm loses strength along its path, but the authorities still warn of floods and storm surges. More than 726,000 people were without power.

Drone shot of the Pensacola Beach promenade in Florida: Storm Isaias caused heavy rain and flooding on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Destin. Flooded streets, downed trees and hundreds of thousands of people without power: Storm “Isaias” has reached the Gulf Coast of the USA as a hurricane. The storm lost strength as it moved across the state of Alabama and northwest Florida, but authorities warned of storm surges, heavy rain and flooding throughout the weekend.

“Isaias” was the first hurricane of the season to make landfall in the Atlantic near Destin, Florida. Hurricane-force winds lashed the Gulf Coast. "The storm is here. Prepare for the worst now. Do not take to the streets," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Friday.

In Destin, streets were under water. In nearby Pensacola, police warned people about debris on the streets. The extent of the damage was not yet known, but many people posted images of fallen trees and snapped power lines on social media. A video showed the roof of a Pensacola hotel being ripped off.

From Destin, “Isaias” moved quickly north over Alabama, with its wind speeds decreasing significantly. However, meteorologists warned that weather conditions could encourage the development of tornadoes in parts of Florida, as well as in the states of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Flooding was reported in southern Alabama. Roads were impassable. According to poweroutage.com, more than 726,000 customers in Florida and Alabama were without power as of Saturday morning.

Most flights were canceled at airports in northern Florida. US President Donald Trump canceled his planned visit to a football game scheduled for Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He explained that he did not want to hinder the rescue and relief efforts.