Hurricane Isaias strengthens as Florida’s east coast anxiously watches storm path

Joe Mario Pedersen, Richard Tribou, David Harris

Hurricane Isaias is expected to bring hurricane-force conditions along portions of Florida’s east coast late Saturday afternoon and Sunday with strong winds, heavy rains and possible flooding in low lying areas, the National Hurricane Center said.

At 5 a.m. Saturday, the hurricane center’s forecasters find Category 1 Isaias barreling slightly more toward the east and toward South Florida late Saturday and early Sunday. The forecast then shows Isaias hugging Florida’s east coast before making a slight northwesterly turn and going farther off the coast after passing Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

As of Saturday morning, Isaias was located 80 miles south-southeast of Nassau, moving northwest at 12 mph.

“Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected through Sunday, and Isaias is forecast to remain a hurricane during this time,” NHC forecasters said in an advisory.

South Florida could start feeling the effects of the storm as early as Saturday afternoon.

No new watches or warnings were issued Saturday morning. Friday brought a slew of watches and warnings for Central Florida: a hurricane warning for Brevard and Volusia counties, a tropical storm warning for Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties and a tropical storm watch for coastal Flagler and inland Volusia counties.

As of Saturday morning, Isaias was located 80 miles south-southeast of Nassau, moving northwest at 12 mph.
As of Saturday morning, Isaias was located 80 miles south-southeast of Nassau, moving northwest at 12 mph.


As of Saturday morning, Isaias was located 80 miles south-southeast of Nassau, moving northwest at 12 mph.

Elsewhere in the state, a hurricane warning is in effect for Boca Raton to the Volusia/Brevard line and a hurricane watch is in effect for Boca Raton to Hallandale Beach. There’s also a storm surge watch from Jupiter Inlet to Ponte Vedra Beach.

While the storm’s center is not predicted to make a Florida landfall, Isaias’ hurricane-force winds extend 35 miles from its core, and its tropical-storm-force winds can reach up to 175 miles from its center.

“Isaias has a somewhat ragged appearance in satellite imagery this morning, likely due to the impact of westerly shear and dry air entrainment,” forecasters said. “The area of central convection has shrunk in size, although radar data from the Bahamas shows some banding near the center and occasional attempts to wrap up an eyewall.”

Still, Fox 35 meteorologist Glenn Richards the storm could make landfall in Indian River County or Fort Pierce before going back offshore.

“If you live Brevard, Indian River and Volusia counties, do take this storm seriously,” he said.

Richards said Isaias is similar to Hurricane Matthew in 2016, which skirted along Central Florida’s east coast. While Matthew was stronger, Isaias is closer to land.

“My concern is just keeping the western eyewall offshore,” he said.

Richards said strong winds from Isaias could cause roof damage, power outages and pool enclosures to collapse.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for every east coast county from Miami-Dade to Nassau in an executive order Friday morning. DeSantis also said the state has 50 generators, the most it has ever had on hand, for emergency managers to distribute. This would ensure all nursing homes and long-term care facilities will be taken care of to avoid power loss like the deadly situation created by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

“The most recent forecast, it brings that eye closer to the coast so we just have to be vigilant,” said DeSantis, who met with President Donald Trump in Tampa discuss matters on both Isaias and COVID-19. “So please heed the warnings of your local officials.”

The state division of emergency management also has a ton of PPE supplies stockpiled in the event of emergency including 20 million masks, DeSantis said.

Attorney General Ashley Moody expanded Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline Friday to receive reports of extreme price increases on essential commodities needed to prepare for Hurricane Isaias.

During a storm-related declared state of emergency, state law prohibits excessive increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotel rooms, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment, needed as a direct result of the event. Anyone who suspects price gouging should report it to the Attorney General’s Office by using the NO SCAM app or by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. The Attorney General’s NO SCAM app can be downloaded for free through Apple and Android stores by searching NO SCAM.

What you need to know

The NHC is forecasting 2 to 4 inches of rain with some pockets of up to 6 inches in South Florida and east-Central Florida on Saturday and Sunday that could result in flash flooding in urban areas with poor drainage.

Isaias is generating swells that will spread along the east coast of Florida and the southeastern United States coast Saturday, posing dangerous surf and current conditions.

For the U.S. east coast at large, there is a risk of impacts from winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge through early next week, forecasters said.

Metro Orlando could see tropical storm force wind and gusts, said Melissa Watson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. But that could change depending on where the storm is located.

“Keep an eye on the storm,” Watson said. “Always prepare for at least one category higher than what it is forecasted. It’s always better to be over prepared than under prepared.”

Orange County officials said it is not opening its shelters for now but they are prepared to do so if needed with social distancing measures in place because of COVID-19. The county’s fire marshal also is in contact with the more than 100 assisted living facilities to ensure they are prepared for the storm. County residents can pick up free sandbags until Saturday. A list of locations can be found at ocfl.net.

County crews worked to clear drainage systems ahead of Isaias’ arrival.

“We’re optimistic and hopeful with this storm, based on the current track, that our impact in Orange County won’t be as bad as we’ve seen in some previous years,” said Danny Banks, deputy county administrator and public safety director at a press conference.

SunRail will suspend operations starting on Monday and Volusia County said it would close low-volume six boat ramps and could shutter more.

Quick development

Isaias was officially designated as a Category 1 storm Friday by the Hurricane Center after a special midnight bulletin.

Forecasters had originally hoped that Isaias would lose strength when its low center interacted with the Dominican Republic’s mountain range, but the storm missed the mountains and re-emerged into warm waters along with very little wind shear allowing its intensity to jump in strength, pumping up Isaias into hurricane level strength, forecasters said.

The midnight shift from tropical storm to hurricane came after an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter determined winds were strong enough for Isaias to be the second named hurricane of the season. It jumped from tropical-storm strength 60 mph sustained winds in its 11 p.m. update to 80 mph sustained winds with the notification one hour later.

Beachgoers in Delray Beach aren't deterred as Tropical Storm Isaias brushes the South Florida coastline.
Beachgoers in Delray Beach aren't deterred as Tropical Storm Isaias brushes the South Florida coastline.
Surfers in Delray Beach take advantage of the waves as Tropical Storm Isaias slowly churns up the coast of Florida on Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Surfers in Delray Beach take advantage of the waves as Tropical Storm Isaias slowly churns up the coast of Florida on Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Tropical Storm Isaias off Florida as of 11 a.m. Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Tropical Storm Isaias off Florida as of 11 a.m. Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Beachgoers in Delray Beach aren't deterred as Tropical Storm Isaias brushes the South Florida coastline.
Beachgoers in Delray Beach aren't deterred as Tropical Storm Isaias brushes the South Florida coastline.
An American flag flies from the shipwreck of the Breconshire, as waves churned up by Tropical Storm Isaias crash around it, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Vero Beach, Fla. Isaias weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm late Saturday afternoon, but was still expected to bring heavy rain and flooding as it barrels toward Florida. The Breconshire was a cargo ship that ran aground in 1894. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Police and lifeguards inform people that the beach and boardwalk are closed in Lantana as Tropical Storm Isaias crawls up the Florida coast on Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Police and lifeguards inform people that the beach and boardwalk are closed in Lantana as Tropical Storm Isaias crawls up the Florida coast on Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Tropical Storm Isaias cone of uncertainty as of 11 a.m. Sunday, August. 2, 2020.
Tropical Storm Isaias cone of uncertainty as of 11 a.m. Sunday, August. 2, 2020.
Beachgoers in Delray Beach aren't deterred as Tropical Storm Isaias brushes the South Florida coastline.
Beachgoers in Delray Beach aren't deterred as Tropical Storm Isaias brushes the South Florida coastline.
Police and lifeguards inform people that the beach and boardwalk are closed in Lantana as Tropical Storm Isaias crawls up the Florida coast on Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Police and lifeguards inform people that the beach and boardwalk are closed in Lantana as Tropical Storm Isaias crawls up the Florida coast on Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Beachgoers in Delray Beach aren't deterred as Tropical Storm Isaias brushes the South Florida coastline.
Beachgoers in Delray Beach aren't deterred as Tropical Storm Isaias brushes the South Florida coastline.
Kent Ahern and his dog Blanco watch waves churned up by Tropical Storm Isaias near Jaycee Beach Park, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Vero Beach, Fla. Isaias weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm late Saturday afternoon, but was still expected to bring heavy rain and flooding as it barrels toward Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Kent Ahern and his dog Blanco watch waves churned up by Tropical Storm Isaias near Jaycee Beach Park, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Vero Beach, Fla. Isaias weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm late Saturday afternoon, but was still expected to bring heavy rain and flooding as it barrels toward Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Police and lifeguards inform people that the beach and boardwalk are closed in Lantana as Tropical Storm Isaias crawls up the Florida coast on Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Police and lifeguards inform people that the beach and boardwalk are closed in Lantana as Tropical Storm Isaias crawls up the Florida coast on Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Beach goers watch waves churned up by Tropical Storm Isaias near Jaycee Beach Park, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Vero Beach, Fla. Isaias weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm late Saturday afternoon, but was still expected to bring heavy rain and flooding as it barrels toward Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Beach goers watch waves churned up by Tropical Storm Isaias near Jaycee Beach Park, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Vero Beach, Fla. Isaias weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm late Saturday afternoon, but was still expected to bring heavy rain and flooding as it barrels toward Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tropical Storm Isaias trajectory as of Sunday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center, puts it in Maryland Tuesday. - Original Credit:
Tropical Storm Isaias trajectory as of Sunday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center, puts it in Maryland Tuesday. - Original Credit:
Bonnie Gruner's employees help board up the building she manages at 303 Gardenia St. in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday August 1, 2020. Gruner says, "The building is from the 1920's, we are prepared with color coded shutters--we've been doing this a long time."
Bonnie Gruner's employees help board up the building she manages at 303 Gardenia St. in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday August 1, 2020. Gruner says, "The building is from the 1920's, we are prepared with color coded shutters--we've been doing this a long time."
Bonnie Gruner's employees help board up the building she manages at 303 Gardenia St. in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday August 1, 2020.
Bonnie Gruner's employees help board up the building she manages at 303 Gardenia St. in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday August 1, 2020.
Bonnie Gruner boards up the building she manages at 303 Gardenia St. in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday August 1, 2020. Gruner says, "The building is from the 1920's, we are prepared with color coded shutters--we've been doing this a long time."
Bonnie Gruner boards up the building she manages at 303 Gardenia St. in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday August 1, 2020. Gruner says, "The building is from the 1920's, we are prepared with color coded shutters--we've been doing this a long time."
Bonnie Gruner boards up the building she manages at 303 Gardenia St. in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday August 1, 2020. Gruner says, "The building is from the 1920's, we are prepared with color coded shutters--we've been doing this a long time."
Bonnie Gruner boards up the building she manages at 303 Gardenia St. in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday August 1, 2020. Gruner says, "The building is from the 1920's, we are prepared with color coded shutters--we've been doing this a long time."
This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at 9:40 a.m. EDT., and provided by NOAA, shows Hurricane Isaias over the Bahamas. Hurricane Isaias snapped trees and knocked out power as it blew through the Bahamas on Saturday and headed toward the Florida coast, where officials said they were closing beaches, parks and coronavirus testing sites. (NOAA via AP)
A man carries drinking water for a customer at a water depot store before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)
A man carries drinking water for a customer at a water depot store before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)
A resident walks with containers filled with gasoline at Cooper's gas station before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020.
A resident walks with containers filled with gasoline at Cooper's gas station before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020.
Wendell Smith unfolds his storm shutters over a window on his Arden Forest home in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)
Wendell Smith unfolds his storm shutters over a window on his Arden Forest home in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)
Residents cover a window with plywood in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias, in the Heritage neighborhood of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020.
Residents cover a window with plywood in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias, in the Heritage neighborhood of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020.
Residents wait in line to fill their containers with gasoline before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020.
Residents wait in line to fill their containers with gasoline before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020.
View of a destroyed house after the overflow of the Magua river due to heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
View of a destroyed house after the overflow of the Magua river due to heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Soldiers carry out cleaning work on destroyed houses after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Soldiers carry out cleaning work on destroyed houses after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
A moto-taxi driver moves through a street flooded by rain brought by the outer bands of Hurricane Isaias, in the Tabarre district of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, early Friday, July 31, 2020. Isaias kept on a path early Friday toward the U.S. East Coast as it approached the Bahamas.
A moto-taxi driver moves through a street flooded by rain brought by the outer bands of Hurricane Isaias, in the Tabarre district of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, early Friday, July 31, 2020. Isaias kept on a path early Friday toward the U.S. East Coast as it approached the Bahamas.
A man guides a tow truck under a downed power line pole after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A man guides a tow truck under a downed power line pole after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
Locals try to rescue their belonging after the overflow of the Magua river caused by heavy rains caused during Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Locals try to rescue their belonging after the overflow of the Magua river caused by heavy rains caused during Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Locals try to rescue their belonging after the overflow of the Magua river caused by heavy rains caused during Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Locals try to rescue their belonging after the overflow of the Magua river caused by heavy rains caused during Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Locals try to rescue their belonging after the overflow of the Magua river caused by heavy rains caused during Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Locals try to rescue their belonging after the overflow of the Magua river caused by heavy rains caused during Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Soldiers carry out cleaning work on destroyed houses after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Soldiers carry out cleaning work on destroyed houses after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Locals try to rescue their belonging after the overflow of the Magua river caused by heavy rains caused during Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Locals try to rescue their belonging after the overflow of the Magua river caused by heavy rains caused during Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Soldiers carry out cleaning work in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
Soldiers carry out cleaning work in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
Locals stand next to their destroyed house after the overflow of the Magua river due to heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Locals stand next to their destroyed house after the overflow of the Magua river due to heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Residents of the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, clean their houses after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
Residents of the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, clean their houses after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
A resident stands next to his belongings in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
A resident stands next to his belongings in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
A girl look at damaged caused by the overflow of the Magua river due to heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
A girl look at damaged caused by the overflow of the Magua river due to heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
A local stands next to his destroyed house after the overflow of the Magua river due to heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
A local stands next to his destroyed house after the overflow of the Magua river due to heavy rains caused by Isaias storm in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 31, 2020.
Residents remain next to their belongings, put out while cleaning their homes in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
Residents remain next to their belongings, put out while cleaning their homes in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
A girl stands next to her family's belongings in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
A girl stands next to her family's belongings in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
Residents stand next to their belongings, put out while cleaning their homes in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
Residents stand next to their belongings, put out while cleaning their homes in the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
Residents of the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, clean their houses after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
Residents of the city of Hato Mayor, northwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, clean their houses after the overflow of the Magua river due heavy rains caused by Isaias storm on July 31, 2020.
A man and a child look at the open flood gates of the Carraizo dam after heavy rain from Tropical Storm Isaias overflowed the reservoir in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A man and a child look at the open flood gates of the Carraizo dam after heavy rain from Tropical Storm Isaias overflowed the reservoir in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A man looks on from the front of his house after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A man looks on from the front of his house after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A worker cuts a bamboo with a machete after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A worker cuts a bamboo with a machete after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A woman sweeps mud from a sidewalk after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A woman sweeps mud from a sidewalk after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
Workers guide a digger to remove a bamboo tree downed after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
Workers guide a digger to remove a bamboo tree downed after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A construction digger removes mud from a road after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A construction digger removes mud from a road after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
Bamboo lies over a street sign after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
Bamboo lies over a street sign after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A woman stands on her porch after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A woman stands on her porch after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A man picks up a kitten that was drowned with a dustpan after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A man picks up a kitten that was drowned with a dustpan after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A man sweeps mud from a street after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
A man sweeps mud from a street after Tropical Storm Isaias affected the area in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
The flood gates of the Carraizo dam are seen open after heavy rain from Tropical Storm Isaias overflowed the reservoir in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
The flood gates of the Carraizo dam are seen open after heavy rain from Tropical Storm Isaias overflowed the reservoir in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico on July 30, 2020.
In this image made from video, cars drive through high water on a road in Canovanas, Puerto Rico, Thursday, July 30, 2020. Tropical Storm Isaias knocked out power and caused flooding and small landslides across Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on Thursday as forecasters predicted it would strengthen into a hurricane while moving toward the Bahamas and U.S. East Coast.
In this image made from video, people look at level of Canovanas river following heavy rain caused by the storm in Alto Trujillo, Puerto Rico, Thursday, July 30, 2020. Tropical Storm Isaias knocked out power and caused flooding and small landslides across Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on Thursday as forecasters predicted it would strengthen into a hurricane while moving toward the Bahamas and U.S. East Coast.
In this image made from video, a large tree toppled by tropical storm winds is seen in Alto Trujillo, Puerto Rico, Thursday, July 30, 2020. Tropical Storm Isaias knocked out power and caused flooding and small landslides across Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on Thursday as forecasters predicted it would strengthen into a hurricane while moving toward the Bahamas and U.S. East Coast.
Hurricane Isaias cone of uncertainty as of 5 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2020.
Hurricane Isaias cone of uncertainty as of 5 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Men fish at the Santo Domingo promenade, in Dominican Republic on July 29, 2020. - Dominican Republic's Emergency Operation Center (COE) increased the alert level from yellow to red for four provinces and Santo Domingo, ahead of the possible passage through the country of tropical storm Isaias.
Men fish at the Santo Domingo promenade, in Dominican Republic on July 29, 2020. - Dominican Republic's Emergency Operation Center (COE) increased the alert level from yellow to red for four provinces and Santo Domingo, ahead of the possible passage through the country of tropical storm Isaias.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
A woman walks under pouring rain caused by Storm Isaias in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
A woman walks under pouring rain caused by Storm Isaias in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
A mango vendor walks with his cart under pouring rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
A mango vendor walks with his cart under pouring rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
View of the Osama River under heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
View of the Osama River under heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
A man rides a motorcycle under pouring rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
A man rides a motorcycle under pouring rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
Fire and rescue members cut the branches of a tree that fell under the heavy rain caused by the Isaias Storm in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on July 30, 2020.
A National Guard member begins to break down the COVID-19 testing site at Hard Rock Stadium, Thursday, July 30, 2020. All state-run coronavirus testing sites across Florida are closing ahead of what’s expected to become Tropical Storm Isaias.
A National Guard member begins to break down the COVID-19 testing site at Hard Rock Stadium, Thursday, July 30, 2020. All state-run coronavirus testing sites across Florida are closing ahead of what’s expected to become Tropical Storm Isaias.
Workers begin to break down the COVID-19 testing site at Hard Rock Stadium, Thursday, July 30, 2020. All state-run coronavirus testing sites across Florida are closing ahead of what’s expected to become Tropical Storm Isaias.
Workers begin to break down the COVID-19 testing site at Hard Rock Stadium, Thursday, July 30, 2020. All state-run coronavirus testing sites across Florida are closing ahead of what’s expected to become Tropical Storm Isaias.
Zak Tranese, left, and Victor Campos help each other fill sandbags at 309 S. West Crown Point Road in Winter Garden on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The sandbags are in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias which may hit Florida this weekend. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Zak Tranese, left, and Victor Campos help each other fill sandbags at 309 S. West Crown Point Road in Winter Garden on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The sandbags are in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias which may hit Florida this weekend. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Zak Tranese fills sandbags at 309 S. West Crown Point Road in Winter Garden on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The sandbags are in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias which may hit Florida this weekend. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Zak Tranese fills sandbags at 309 S. West Crown Point Road in Winter Garden on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The sandbags are in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias which may hit Florida this weekend. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
People look at the sea during Isaias storm in Santo Domingo, on July 30, 2020.
People look at the sea during Isaias storm in Santo Domingo, on July 30, 2020.
Home Depot aisles are stocked with hurricane supplies as Hurricane Isaias approaches South Florida. Isaias is forecasted to stay east of the coast but it will bring winds and possible coasting flooding.
Home Depot aisles are stocked with hurricane supplies as Hurricane Isaias approaches South Florida. Isaias is forecasted to stay east of the coast but it will bring winds and possible coasting flooding.
Home Depot aisles are stocked with hurricane supplies as Hurricane Isaias approaches South Florida. Isaias is forecasted to stay east of the coast but it will bring winds and possible coasting flooding.
Home Depot aisles are stocked with hurricane supplies as Hurricane Isaias approaches South Florida. Isaias is forecasted to stay east of the coast but it will bring winds and possible coasting flooding.
Home Depot aisles are stocked with hurricane supplies as Hurricane Isaias approaches South Florida. Isaias is forecasted to stay east of the coast but it will bring winds and possible coasting flooding.
Home Depot aisles are stocked with hurricane supplies as Hurricane Isaias approaches South Florida. Isaias is forecasted to stay east of the coast but it will bring winds and possible coasting flooding.
A resident walks with containers filled with gasoline at Cooper's gas station before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)
A resident walks with containers filled with gasoline at Cooper's gas station before the arrival of Hurricane Isaias in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Friday, July 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Tim Aylen)
Drivers fuel up at BJ's in Boynton Beach, Fla., as they prepare for Hurricane Isaias on Friday, July 31, 2020. Isaias is forecasted to stay east of the coast but it will bring winds and possible coasting flooding. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)
Drivers fuel up at BJ's in Boynton Beach, Fla., as they prepare for Hurricane Isaias on Friday, July 31, 2020. Isaias is forecasted to stay east of the coast but it will bring winds and possible coasting flooding. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)
A rainbow is seen on the horizon as people enjoy the waves from a high surf, Friday, July 31, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. Forecasters declared a hurricane warning for parts of the Florida coast Friday as Hurricane Isaias drenched the Bahamas on track for the U.S. East Coast. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
A rainbow is seen on the horizon as people enjoy the waves from a high surf, Friday, July 31, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. Forecasters declared a hurricane warning for parts of the Florida coast Friday as Hurricane Isaias drenched the Bahamas on track for the U.S. East Coast. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
A worker removes a cabana from the beach in preparation for Hurricane Isaias, Friday, July 31, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. Forecasters declared a hurricane warning for parts of the Florida coast Friday as Hurricane Isaias drenched the Bahamas on track for the U.S. East Coast. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
A worker removes a cabana from the beach in preparation for Hurricane Isaias, Friday, July 31, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. Forecasters declared a hurricane warning for parts of the Florida coast Friday as Hurricane Isaias drenched the Bahamas on track for the U.S. East Coast. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
A red flag flies from a lifeguard station indicating high surf, Friday, July 31, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. Forecasters declared a hurricane warning for parts of the Florida coast Friday as Hurricane Isaias drenched the Bahamas on track for the U.S. East Coast. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
A red flag flies from a lifeguard station indicating high surf, Friday, July 31, 2020, in Miami Beach, Fla. Forecasters declared a hurricane warning for parts of the Florida coast Friday as Hurricane Isaias drenched the Bahamas on track for the U.S. East Coast. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Death in the D.R.

On Thursday, while still a tropical storm, Isaias toppled trees, destroyed crops and caused widespread flooding and small landslides in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, where hundreds of thousands of people were left without power and water.

Officials reported that a man died in the Dominican Republic when he was electrocuted by a fallen electrical cable.

The Puerto Rico National Guard rescued at least 35 people from floodwaters, which swept away one woman who remains missing.

On Friday, the hurricane knocked shingles off roofs in the Bahamian island of San Salvador as it carved its way through an archipelago still recovering from Dorian’s devastation. Bahamas Power and Light Co. cut off power in certain areas for safety.

Meanwhile, there are two more systems being looked at by the National Hurricane Center including one that became Tropical Depression 10. If either one does become a named storm, it would be Tropical Storm Josephine.

Get the latest hurricane coverage at OrlandoSentinel.com/hurricane.

Orlando Sentinel staff writers Stephen Hudak, Paola Pérez and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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