Hurricane Isaias Prompts Southeast Emergency Preparations

Hurricane Isaias strengthened into a Category 3 storm as it approached the Gulf Coast, prompting emergency declarations and preparations across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. Alabama declared emergencies in 40 counties, and officials in Georgia opened the state emergency operations center and authorized calling up as many as 500 National Guard members. Florida urged people in evacuation zones and flood-prone areas to leave promptly, warning of life-threatening storm surge and possible disruptions to emergency services; the state staged search-and-rescue teams, high-water vehicles, transportation crews and about 16,000 utility lineworkers. Officials warned of heavy rain, flooding, damaging winds and possible tornadoes, and businesses along Tidewater Road in Venice, Louisiana, were asked to evacuate voluntarily ahead of a possible 3- to 5-foot storm surge. Across the region, authorities urged residents to follow local instructions, prepare supplies and avoid flooded roads, while emergency and rescue teams prepared to assist affected communities.