Trump says Hurricane Isaias 'under control,' downgraded to cyclone as it moves over Alabama

Alabama's Emergency Management Agency (EMA) issued a warning to residents after hurricane Isaias made landfall on Thursday evening.Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone on Saturday, having rapidly lost wind speed after hitting the Florida coast as a Category 2 hurricane, the first of the 2026 Atlantic season, the US National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory.US President Donald Trump told reporters that hurricane preparation were "under control," adding that "We are watching it very closely."The hurricane has produced high winds, downed power lines, and caused travel delays, including the closure of all roads through Houston county, Alabama.All Houston County roads are closed until further notice. https://t.co/6pg8GvzaOh— Alabama EMA (@AlabamaEMA) October 10, 2026"Widespread damage and power outages are likely as this system passes through the state. All actions to protect property should have already been completed for the southern half of Alabama and should be completed across the northern half by 10 pm," Alabama's EMA warned.Additionally, the Florida division of the EMA extended a tornado watch for parts of North Florida until Saturday morning.National Hurrican Center warns of potential for floodingThe post-tropical cyclone, crossing over southern Alabama after making landfall earlier near Destin, Florida is about 55 miles (89 km) south-southwest of Montgomery, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kmh), the agency added.The center warned of possible storm surges, urban and river flooding and flash floods across the region, with considerable impacts likely across much of southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle into southwest Georgia.Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, is expected to continue weakening but produce gusty winds well inland through Saturday even after it becomes post-tropical, the NHC said.Isaias is expected to cross Alabama and go into the Tennessee Valley over the weekend, the NHC said.More than 412,000 people in Florida and nearly 243,000 in Alabama lost power as the storm hit shore, according to power outage tracking firm PowerOutage.us."Emergency declarations have been approved in Florida and Alabama to ensure federal resources are available to respond to Isaias," Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on X.Under @POTUS' leadership, emergency declarations have been approved in Florida and Alabama to ensure federal resources are available to respond to #Isaias. @DHSgov and @FEMA stand ready to support @GovRonDeSantis and @GovernorKayIvey as they lead efforts to protect lives and communities.— Secretary Markwayne Mullin (@SecMullinDHS) October 10, 2026Florida's emergency services urged residents to shelter in place and watch for hurricane conditions across the north of the state.Post-tropical cyclone Isaias is about 55 miles (88.5 km) south-southwest of Montgomery, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kmh), NHC said.Continued weakening is expected, but Isaias will continue to produce gusty winds well inland before weakening below gale force later on Saturday, the agency added.