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With Hurricane Isaias approaching Florida's southeastern coast, where storm conditions are expected to steadily intensify this weekend, the 

 is warning that "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion." 

On Saturday morning, the storm was near Andros Island in the Bahamas with maximum sustained 

 causing power outages and toppling trees. On the Abaco Islands, officials

evacuated people who had been living in temporary housing since Hurricane Dorian hit the region last year, 

 reported. Hurricane conditions and dangerous storm surges are expected to last through the day in the Bahamas. 

Before reaching hurricane status, Isaias caused widespread flooding, power outages and landslides in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on Thursday. At least one person died in the Dominican Republic as a result of the storm, according to the AP. In Puerto Rico, nearly half a million homes and businesses were without power, 

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis urged state residents to remain vigilant and heed warnings from local officials and news outlets as Isaias moves closer to the state. 

"The situation remains fluid and can change quickly," DeSantis said at a 

 "Projections have Isaias impacting south Florida as early as late tonight into tomorrow morning with potential to increase in strength to Category 2."

Storm surges along Florida's east coast with water rising 2 to 4 feet above ground level are possible, according to the National Hurricane Center. Isaias is expected to bring heavy rain and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding to south and east-central Florida.

On Friday, DeSantis declared a state of emergency in every coastal county of Florida's east coast, from Miami-Dade to Nassau counties.

Isaias is approaching Florida as the state is continuing to battle 

 outbreaks of the coronavirus in the nation. Yet DeSantis said that Florida's 

The governor said the state has 20 million masks, 22 million gloves, 10 million gowns, 1.6 million face shields, 270,000 coveralls and 20,000 thermometers to help respond to impacted areas. 

In addition to personal protective equipment, the state purchased 50 additional generators in case of power outages. DeSantis also said that all nursing homes and assisted living facilities were checked to make sure they have working generators onsite to continue providing care. That includes 21 COVID-19 nursing facilities. 

Though hurricanes can result in the need for shelters, DeSantis said the state did not think they would be necessary for this storm — but officials are  prepared if necessary.

"The division created new and detailed shelter guidance for all counties in light of COVID-19 and has prepared shelter kits with hand sanitizer, masks and gloves ready to be deployed upon request," DeSantis said. 

The confluence of hurricane season with the spike in COVID-19 cases led the

on Thursday to issue new guidance for hurricane preparedness. The organization noted that this hurricane season would be different because of the pandemic. It urged people to include PPE in their evacuation kits as well as hand sanitizer and personal hygiene supplies. 

As Florida prepares for the storm this weekend, the rest of the East Coast could feel the impacts through the beginning of next week with risks of winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge. The National Hurricane Center warned of potential flooding in the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic region stretching up to Virginia. 

Both North Carolina and Virginia declared states of emergency ahead of the hurricane's arrival. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said he did not plan to issue a state of emergency or evacuation orders, but local leaders along the state's Grand Strand coastal area have issued their own orders. 

Disasters

Weather and Climate News

Wynne Davis

Author

Hurricane Isaias is approaching Florida as the state is continuing to battle one of the worst outbreaks of the coronavirus in the nation.

Florida braces as Hurricane Isaias heads toward East Coast

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