Residents along the northern Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida should finalize preparations for significant impacts of Hurricane Isaias, which is forecast to make landfall either late Friday or early Saturday, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

Isaias will be the first landfalling U.S. hurricane since Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, on Oct. 9, 2024. Isaias is the ninth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic Basin season. Previously this year, tropical storms Bertha and Edouard made landfalls along the Louisiana coast.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued hurricane warnings, tropical storm watches and warnings, and storm surge watches and warnings for areas of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. As of 2 p.m. ET Thursday, the storm was a Category 1 hurricane with peak winds of 85 mph.

Additionally, states of emergency have been declared in 25 Florida counties and 40 Alabama counties to ensure resources are in place to respond to the storm. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered by emergency management in several coastal communities along the Florida Panhandle and in Alabama.

“The storm is forecast to intensify quickly over the next 24 hours, peaking as a high-end Category 2 hurricane with 110 mph winds,” said Triple-I non-resident scholar Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., a senior research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, in a video update Thursday afternoon.

“Following its peak intensity, it is forecast to weaken as it encounters much stronger vertical wind shear before making landfall on Saturday along the northern Gulf Coast. Despite this weakening, Isaias is likely to be a significant hurricane when it makes landfall,” Klotzbach added.

The NHC warned impacts of Isaias could include damaging hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge up to 7 feet, torrential rainfall up to 15 inches, flash flooding, tornado outbreaks and long-duration power outages. Impacts are expected throughout the weekend as remnants of Isaias will affect numerous states across the South, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

Preparedness Tips

Triple-I offers preparedness tips for all residents and business owners in the path of Isaias:

  • Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet’s evacuation plan.

  • Make sure your hurricane kit includes a minimum 14-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person, per day) for all family members and pets, as well as a 14-day supply of medications for everyone in your household.

  • Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional and keep this information either in your wallet or purse. You should also store this information in your cell phone, if possible.

  • Purchase emergency supplies, such as batteries and flashlights.

  • Fully charge your cell phones and portable chargers so you can receive weather alerts.

  • Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could become airborne due to high winds.

  • Fill your vehicle’s gasoline tank. 

Insurance Coverage for Storm Damage

Damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms are covered under different insurance policies, according to Triple-I:

  • Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Renters’ insurance covers a renter’s possessions while the landlord insures the structure.

  • Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, and a business – resulting from a flood – is generally covered under either a FEMA National Flood Insurance Program policy or a private flood policy, if the homeowner, renter or business has purchased one. Dozens of private insurers offer flood insurance in addition to FEMA.

  • Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Approximately 75% of U.S. drivers purchase comprehensive coverage, according to Triple-I.

NOTE TO MEDIA

Triple-I experts are available to discuss insurance coverage and claims-filing issues with media covering Hurricane Isaias. Please contact us at Media@iii.org

TRIPLE-I HURRICANE SEASON RESOURCES

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Hurricane Insurance Guide

Insurance Check-Up for Hurricane Season

Create a Home Inventory

Facts & Statistics

Hurricanes

Flood Insurance

Articles

Hurricane Season Insurance Guide

Hurricane Insurance FAQs

Background on: Hurricanes and Windstorm Deductibles

Five Steps to Preparing an Effective Evacuation Plan

Settling Insurance Claims After a Disaster

Infographics

This Hurricane Season, Lock in Peace of Mind

Hurricane Deductibles

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim

About the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I)

Since 1960, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I®) has been the trusted voice of risk and insurance, delivering unique, data-driven insights to educate, elevate and connect consumers, industry professionals, policymakers, and the media. An affiliate of The Institutes, Triple-I represents a diverse membership accounting for nearly 50% of all U.S. property/casualty premiums written. Our members include mutual and stock companies, personal and commercial lines, primary insurers and reinsurers – serving regional, national and global markets.

Triple-I is a registered trademark of the Insurance Information Institute. All rights reserved.

About The Institutes

The Institutes® are a not-for-profit dedicated to helping people and organizations succeed in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through numerous affiliated business units and brands, we educate, elevate, and connect students, professionals, and organizations by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and collaboration they need to tackle the most complex risk management and insurance challenges. Backed by more than 115 years as a trusted knowledge partner, we empower people and organizations to create a more resilient world.

The Institutes is a registered trademark of The Institutes. All rights reserved.

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