TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, as a developing weather system in the Gulf of Mexico intensified into Tropical Storm Isaias with potential hurricane capability.
The executive order, designated as EO 26-202, covers Northwest Florida and Big Bend region jurisdictions. State emergency response teams are actively mobilizing. They are strategically positioning preparedness resources-including fuel supplies, power generators, pallets of drinking water, tarps, and recovery equipment-at logistical hubs in Tallahassee and the Santa Rosa area to enable rapid deployment upon storm impact.
Impacted Counties Under Executive Order 26-202
The state of emergency ensures that communities across the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend have the necessary administrative flexibility, time, and resources to prepare for potential severe weather impacts. The 25 counties included under the executive order are:
- Baker County
- Bay County
- Calhoun County
- Columbia County
- Dixie County
- Escambia County
- Franklin County
- Gadsden County
- Gilchrist County
- Gulf County
- Hamilton County
- Holmes County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Lafayette County
- Leon County
- Liberty County
- Madison County
- Okaloosa County
- Santa Rosa County
- Suwannee County
- Taylor County
- Walton County
- Wakulla County
- Washington County
Storm Path and Forecast Intensification
Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened from Tropical Depression Nine in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters indicate the system is moving east-northeast and is expected to rapidly intensify into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane before approaching the northern Gulf Coast later in the week.
Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9. This order will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to stage critical preparedness resources and ensure Florida is ready to respond, said Governor Ron DeSantis. Floridians should take this time to get disaster plans in place and ensure their hurricane supply kit is stocked.
Landfall is currently estimated between Biloxi, Mississippi, and Panama City, Florida, late Friday or early Saturday. In addition to potential hurricane-force winds at the coast, impacts are expected to extend far beyond the landfall point. The storm will bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, and isolated tornadoes across North Florida. Officials note that additional precipitation could further saturate soils and increase the risk of flash flooding following recent heavy rainfall across the state.
Official Preparedness Guidance
State officials urge residents within the threatened zones to finalize their emergency plans. They must also ensure that disaster supply kits contain enough non-perishable food, water, and medication to sustain households for multiple days. Record-warm Gulf water temperatures, sitting at their highest levels since 1982, provide a favorable environment for further tropical intensification.
Residents can monitor ongoing weather developments and state response operations by following the Florida Division of Emergency Management on X at @FLSERT or visiting FloridaDisaster.org for official updates and evacuation guidance.
