SPONSORED BY
Good morning!
Okaloosa County has declared a state of emergency and ordered mandatory evacuations of Zones A and B as Hurricane Isaias continues to intensify, with landfall expected along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday. Okaloosa and Walton County schools are closed Thursday and Friday, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport closes Thursday at 9 p.m. Hurlburt Field has ordered evacuation of privatized base housing and FAMCamp by 5 p.m. Thursday.
WEATHER
Hurricane Isaias continues to intensify, landfall expected along northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday
Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, continues to intensify in the Gulf and is expected to make landfall along the U.S. northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 4 a.m. Thursday advisory.
Okaloosa County is under a Hurricane Warning. A Storm Surge Warning also remains in effect for a stretch of coast that includes the county.
“Preparations to protect life and property from storm surge and damaging winds along the warning area of the Gulf Coast should be rushed to completion today,” the National Hurricane Center wrote.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 mph with higher gusts, according to the advisory. Additional strengthening is expected through early Friday.
“Isaias should remain a strong hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Friday night,” the advisory states.
As of 4 a.m. Thursday, the eye of Isaias was located by NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft about 420 miles south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River and about 170 miles northwest of Progreso, Mexico.
Isaias is moving toward the east-northeast near 9 mph. A turn toward the northeast is expected later Thursday, followed by a turn northward on Friday.
SPONSORED
Enjoy the drive
With new and used auto loan rates as low as 4.74% APR, it’s time to enjoy your next day out in the car, truck or SUV that you love.
Shop at any participating dealer and apply for on-site Eglin FCU financing or apply online at eglinfcu.org/auto.
From scenic rides to weekend getaways, enjoy the drive with Eglin Federal Credit Union. Where Members Matter Most.
WEATHER
Okaloosa County declares state of emergency, orders mandatory evacuation of Zones A and B ahead of Isaias
Okaloosa County declared a local state of emergency as of 5 p.m. Wednesday and ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents in coastal Zones A and B ahead of expected local impacts from Hurricane Isaias, according to the county.
The mandatory evacuation becomes active at noon Thursday, Oct. 8. The county is also asking all out-of-town visitors to evacuate beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, and two shelters will open at 6 p.m. Thursday.
“We take disaster preparedness and response seriously in Okaloosa County and want to make sure every individual has the resources they need to keep themselves and their family safe,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “I encourage everyone to have multiple ways to stay informed and listen to your emergency officials and trusted news sources.”
The evacuation order covers residents living in the coastal areas of Zones A and B. According to the county, that includes residents living on Okaloosa Island, portions of coastal Fort Walton Beach, portions of coastal Destin, and portions of coastal Mary Esther and Niceville.
Residents can look up their address at myokaloosa.com/gis_ps to view their zone designation and a map.
“Do not wait until the last moment to enter the roadways,” the county wrote. “Plan early, execute early to mitigate avoidable slowdowns.”
The county is asking all out-of-town visitors to evacuate from the forecast area of impacts beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
SCHOOL
Okaloosa, Walton County Schools closed Thursday and Friday ahead of Isaias
Okaloosa and Walton County Schools will be closed Thursday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Oct. 9, as Isaias approaches the northern Gulf Coast.
The Okaloosa County School District said the closures are due to the anticipated weather conditions and evacuation protocols. The decision is meant “to alleviate additional roadway pressures and to provide our families and school district employees with sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements in preparation for the storm,” the district wrote in its 1 p.m. update.
Monday, Oct. 12, is a scheduled Teacher Workday in Okaloosa. Classes are expected to resume Tuesday, Oct. 13, according to the district.
PROMOTED BY RAIDER VILLAGE
Your College Experience Starts at Raider Village!
Discover convenient on-campus living at Raider Village, Northwest Florida State College’s first student housing community in Niceville!
Starting at $895 per month per bedroom, residents enjoy fully furnished apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms, all utilities included, high-speed Wi-Fi, and in-unit washers and dryers.
For students, it’s independence and a place to call home. For parents, it’s peace of mind knowing their student lives just steps from class in a welcoming campus community.
Students enrolled in at least 6 credit hours or qualifying Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs may be eligible.
Now accepting applications for Spring 2027! Join the waitlist for Fall 2027 and beyond!
Apply Today at RaiderVillage.com
TRAVEL
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport to close Thursday at 9 p.m. ahead of storm
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport will close to all operations at 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, due to impending weather, the airport announced Wednesday.
The VPS Airport will remain closed until further notice.
“We will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so,” the airport said in its announcement.
Travelers should check with their airline for the latest flight information, according to the airport.
MILITARY
Hurlburt Field orders evacuation of privatized base housing and FAMCamp by 5 p.m. Thursday
The 1st Special Operations Wing Commander has directed a targeted evacuation for residents of all Hurlburt Field privatized military housing and FAMCamp, effective no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, according to a release from the base.
Approximately 1,000 residents are affected by the order, which the base said was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
The evacuation is driven strictly by localized infrastructure constraints and not by structural safety concerns, according to the release.
Storm surge is not expected to reach or damage physical housing structures at this time, the base said. However, rising water levels are projected to inundate a utility lift station located on the Soundside of the base.
“This inundation would interrupt essential wastewater, sewage and potable water services that support all privatized installation housing,” the release states.
The base said the order does not extend beyond housing and FAMCamp.
WEATHER
Today’s weather outlook
TODAY: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
TONIGHT: A slight chance of rain showers after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
OK, that’s all I have for you this morning! I hope you have a great Thursday! Help us shape the future of local news and make a meaningful impact on your community. Click here to learn how you can support us!
p.s. What did you think of this morning’s newsletter? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Jared
Published with ♥ by Get The Coast.
Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe here.
124 Eglin Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548