On Friday, Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida as a Category 2 hurricane, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season to hit the United States.

Soon after the storm moved inland, upper‑level wind shear – a change in wind speed and direction high above the surface – intensified. The shear disrupted Isaias’s core, and the system weakened to a post‑tropical cyclone with sustained winds of about 55 km/h.

The weakening did not end the threat. As the storm lost its tight circulation, the area affected by strong winds grew larger, prompting flash‑flood and tornado warnings across Alabama and the deeper interior.

Despite the downgrade, Isaias still caused serious damage. At least two people died, and power outages left hundreds of thousands of customers in Florida, Alabama and Georgia without electricity.

Meteorologists reminded the public that post‑tropical storms can still produce hazardous wind, heavy rain and rapid flooding, so preparedness remains essential even after a hurricane’s official classification changes.