Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves spoke with First Warning chief meteorologist Tony Mainolfi on Thursday as Hurricane Isaias churned in the Gulf, giving residents a clear picture of the city’s readiness.
Preparedness measures already in place
Reeves emphasized that “everything we can control is underway.” The city has filled its stormwater ponds, increased staffing for police and fire departments, and opened an emergency shelter at the operations center at 3 a.m. Thursday. “Our residents and visitors can rest assured that we’re doing those things,” the mayor said.
Storm details and potential impact
According to the National Hurricane Center, Isaias became a Category 2 storm Thursday afternoon with sustained winds up to 105 mph. At the time of the latest update, the storm was about 260 miles south of the Mississippi River mouth, moving northeast at 14 mph and expected to turn north Friday.
Reeves warned that the region received eight inches of rain over the past weekend, leaving the ground saturated. “That means trees will fall a little easier,” he explained, adding that a high‑tide scenario could increase storm surge.
Forecasters predict that if peak surge coincides with high tide, water levels could reach five to seven feet along the Gulf Coast stretch that includes Pensacola.
Evacuation guidance
Escambia County is one of the 27 Florida counties Governor Ron DeSantis has declared under a state of emergency. Reeves addressed residents who may find themselves in evacuation zones, saying, “It’s not a friendly suggestion, it’s something you need to do. It’s hard to leave your house, but it’s not as painful as losing someone in your family.”
He clarified that evacuation does not necessarily mean traveling hundreds of miles; moving inland within the county or to higher ground can provide safety from storm surge affecting Pensacola Beach.
Community reassurance
The mayor’s message focused on practical steps and calm reassurance, reinforcing the city’s commitment to protect families and uphold the values that make Pensacola strong. By mobilizing resources early and communicating clear instructions, the administration aims to minimize damage and keep the community safe.
Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local broadcasts, follow official social‑media updates, and heed any further directives from emergency management officials as the storm approaches.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
