Welcome to Rough Draft’s live coverage of Hurricane Isaias and its potential impact on Metro Atlanta. For up-to-the-minute weather coverage, be sure to follow our media partner WSB-TV or the National Weather Service.
5:30 p.m.
The National Hurricane Center issued its final advisory on Isaias at 5 p.m. The post-tropical cyclone is about five miles west of Birmingham, AL, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. The storm is moving north-northeast at 15 mph.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that disaster assistance has been approved for Georgia counties including, Baker, Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Calhoun, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattahoochee, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Clayton, Cobb, Colquitt, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gilmer, Gordon, Grady, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Lee, Lumpkin, Macon, Madison, Marion, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Murray, Muscogee, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Quitman, Randolph, Rockdale, Schley, Seminole, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Terrell, Thomas, Towns, Troup, Union, Upson, Walker, Walton, Webster, White, Whitfield and Worth.
Georgia officials warned residents to remain alert as more rain is expected to tonight into the early morning hours of Sunday.
Georgia Power’s outage map indicated that only about 4,000 remained without electricity in Metro Atlanta just after 5 p.m.
This concludes our coverage of Hurricane Isaias. Thank you for following us.
2:48 p.m.
Atlanta Pride was forced to cancel Saturday’s entertainment and events in Piedmont Park today, but Sunday’s parade and activities are set to go.
The Pride Parade will step off noon from the Civic Center MARTA Station and make its way north on Peachtree Street to 10th Street where it will turn right and head to the park.
The marketplace will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the park. A modified entertainment schedule will include Aryee the Gem, Zee Machine, Cain Culto, A Chaka Moment…In The Park, Starlight Cabaret w/special guest Shea Couleé, and JT will close out the night.
See full details in the Instagram post below.
12:40 p.m.
Via WSB-TV: Georgia Power’s outage map shows 46,822 customers affected by outages. The most customers are in Fulton (2,957), DeKalb (5,911), Gwinnett (5,348), and Henry (1,335) counties.
Since Oakhurst Porchfest was cancelled today, Decatur’s Thinking Man Tavern is hosting an “unofficial” Porchfest this afternoon and evening. The Rusty Cars perform at 3 p.m. and The Gate City Sompers at 8 p.m.
11 a.m.
As the now-downgraded Hurricane Isaias exits the state, Georgia Power continues to assess and repair damage caused by high winds, fallen trees and heavy rain across much of the state.
According to a statement from the utility, Georgia Power has restored power to more than 60,000 customers. As of 10 a.m., approximately 56,000 customers were without power due to the storm.
Georgia Power urged customers to watch for crews and move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road (which is Georgia law). Also remember not to touch any downed or low-hanging wires and never pull tree limbs off power lines yourself.
Two storm-related deaths have been reported so far: one in Escambia County, FL, and another in Birmingham, AL, after a tree fell on a home.
9 a.m.
WSB-TV reports that the number of power outages is growing in Metro Atlanta with Georgia Power’s outage map showing 80,552 customers affected by outages. The most customers are in Fulton (13,146), DeKalb (11,484), Gwinnett (5,870), and Henry (2,947) counties.
The AJC reports that fallen trees have disrupted some MARTA rail service. Delays continue on the eastern end of the Blue Line, where trees have fallen near the tracks by Kensington Station. Trains are stopping at Avondale Station while tree removal continues, with bus shuttle service linking to other stations on the route.
Bus route 4, which runs primarily along Moreland Avenue, and route 71, which runs along Cascade Road, are being detoured because of downed trees along the routes.
Earlier in the morning, MARTA reported downed trees affecting the trackways at Bankhead Station on the Green Line, near Chamblee Station, and at Lenox Station on the Gold Line.
7:45 a.m.
Flooding rain, high winds, and power outages are being reported across Georgia as the remnant of Hurricane Isaias continues moving north.
A flash flood warning is in effect for Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties until 1:15 p.m. today. WSB-TV reports multiple trees down around Metro Atlanta, particularly in DeKalb.
In Metro Atlanta alone, more than 50,000 customers are without electricity this morning, according to the Georgia Power outage map.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport activated its emergency operations center this morning and urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Delta has already cancelled more than 20 flights due to Isaias, particularly to Pensacola, Destin, Panama City, and Tallahassee.
Saturday, 12:20 a.m.
More than half a million people are without electricity in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia due to Hurricane Isaisas. In Georgia, more than 12,700 customers were without power.
Parts of all three states are at high risk of flooding. Nearly 10 inches of rain fell in just three hours along the Florida Pandle where Isaias made landfall.
As we wrap up our coverage for the night, local radar showed heavy bands of rain rotating toward Metro Atlanta in the overnight hours.
We’ll have more updates on the weather later Saturday morning. Thanks for following our coverage.
11:30 p.m.
Isaias is now a Category 1 storm as it moves north across Alabama at 20 mph. Winds have decreased to 90 mph. The National Hurricane Center said Isaias would ontinue to weaken, but is expected to produce gusty winds and rain through Saturday as it becomes post-tropical.
The storm is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches across southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, and southwest Georgia.
In Metro Atlanta, moderate rain continues to come in bands as the hurricane spins north over land. High wind and flood warnings remain in effect through Saturday.
10:20 p.m.
WSB-TV meteorologist Ashley Kramlich says conditions for North Georgia will deteriorate overnight as heavy rains and winds pick up now that Isaias is pushing inland.
Prolonged winds gusting up to 50 mph, along with torrential downpours, will lead to downed trees and power outages. Tornado threats will also increase as the center of Isaias moves inland.
10 p.m.
Hurricane Isaias made landfall around 9:30 p.m. near Destin, FL, as a Category 2 storm with winds of 105 mph.
More than 500,000 customers are without power along the Gulf Coast, with around 9,000 of those in southwest Georgia.
The National Hurricane Center said dangerous conditions, including life-threatening storm surge and flooding, were taking place along the Florida Panhandle.
8:07 p.m.
The National. Hurricane Center said in its 8 p.m. update that Isaiah is nearing landfall in the Western Florida Panhandle. Hurricane conditions with extreme wind gusts are being reported. The storm is 45 miles southeast of Pensacola, 95 miles east-southeast of Mobile, and has sustained winds of 110 mph.
The leading bands of the hurricane are now sweeping across metro Atlanta tonight with light to moderate rain.
7:20 p.m.
The National Hurricane Center reported at 7 p.m. that Isaias’ eyewall was approaching the coast of the Florida Panhandle and was just 50 miles southeast of Pensacola.
Light to moderate rain is already falling across much of Metro Atlanta.
Despite tomorrow’s stormy forecast, Georgia Tech officials said the football game against Duke University Blue Devils at Bobby Dodd Stadium will kick off as planned at 3:30 p.m. A pre-game block party and tailgate packages have been cancelled.
5:55 p.m.
Gwinnett County Schools has canceled all extracurricular activities and athletics scheduled for Saturday.
Morehouse College and Spelman College are moving homecoming activities, including the annual tailgate, to Sunday.
Atlanta Parks & Recreation has cancelled all programming for Saturday and closed all aquatic centers, golf courses, and the Chastain Arts Center.
5:40 p.m.
Oakhurst Porchfest has finally cancelled Saturday’s event after both DeKalb County and the City of Decatur declared states of emergency as Isaias approaches. Organizers said they would try to carry on even in heavy rain, but the lack of available police and city services forced the musical festival to cancel.
5:05 p.m.
Conditions are rapidly deteriorating along the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast as Isaias prepares to make landfall later this evening. Parts of the Panhandle are under evacuation orders, and residents who chose to stay were urged to seek shelter.
At 5 p.m., the hurricane was located about 90 miles south of Pensacola.
Georgia Emergency Management officials said during an afternoon press conference that Georgians should take the storm seriously. Officials said strong winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of tornadoes were possible in parts of the state. Watch the full press conference below.
3:50 p.m.
The National Hurricane Center said the outer bands of Isaias are arriving at the Florida Panhandle with sustained winds of 120 mph.
ABC News confirmed that President Donald Trump will not attend the Georgia vs. Alabama game in Tuscaloosa as previously planned.
The Brookhaven Farmers Market will be held inside University Baptist Church on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival in Alpharetta will proceed tonight starting at 6:30 p.m., but Saturday’s concerts have been cancelled.
3:15 p.m.
Peachtree Farmers Market is canceled tomorrow. The pumpkin patch and other activities planned for Oct. 10 are rescheduled for Oct. 17. Freedom Farmers Market will proceed as planned Saturday morning with a pared down vendor list. The annual Trees Atlanta tree sale at the market will take place Oct. 17.
DeKalb County Schools, Fulton County Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, and Decatur City Schools canceled all events and activities for Oct. 10.
DeKalb County declared a local state of emergency and will open emergency shelters starting Friday at 5 p.m. through Saturday.
WSB-TV Channel 2 Meteorologist Ashley Kramlich predicts rain bands from Isaias will begin moving through metro Atlanta within the next few hours. She also forecasts 30 to 50+ mph winds and up to three inches of rain through Saturday night.
1:45 p.m.
The Sandy Springs Farmers Market at City Springs is cancelled tomorrow morning. As of now, the city has not announced whether tonight’s showing of “Hocus Pocus” at Movies by Moonlight will proceed.
1:30 p.m.
The National Weather Service upgraded a Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning for Heard, Meriwether, Pike, Troup, Upson, and Randolph counties. A High Wind Warning has also been extended to all of North Georgia.
The autumn edition of the Atlanta Fair has postponed its opening and will now officially open on Sunday, Oct. 11, instead of today. Be sure to visit the Atlanta Fair’s Facebook page for additional updates.
12:20 p.m.
Atlanta Pride officially canceled the first day of its two-day festival due to the severe weather expected throughout Saturday, Oct. 10. The Atlanta Pride parade remains scheduled for noon on Sunday, Oct. 11. The festival at Piedmont Park is also expected to commence on Sunday, weather and safety conditions permitting. Saturday-only premium passes will be honored on Sunday.
12:10 p.m.
Most events in Dunwoody, including its Saturday DHA Farmers Market, Groovin’ on the Green finale concert, Ride and Seek Public Bike Tour, and Electrical Vehicle Showcase have been cancelled or postponed. City Hall will close early on Friday as well.
11:45 a.m.
The National Hurricane Center said in its 11 a.m. briefing that Isaias is expected to reach the Florida Panhandle coast late this evening. Life-threatening storm surge and devastating winds are likely along the Florida Panhandle and Alabama coasts.
The Groovin’ on the Green concert in Dunwoody has been cancelled for Saturday night, and so has Shakespeare at Sunset in Avondale Estates.
10:15 a.m.
Georgia Power said it is monitoring the development of Hurricane Isaias and preparing personnel and resources to respond to potential power outages over the weekend.
“Hurricane Isaias is currently expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of tornadoes to portions of Georgia Power’s service territory,” the utility said in a press release. “Georgia Power teams have been preparing over the last week to respond to any damage and power outages caused by the storm.”
Georgia Power said customers can find more resources at GeorgiaPower.com/Storm.
Cancellations continue to come in, including the Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway at the Atlanta airport and the Blue Heron Nature Preserve’s Wildlife Photography event. Morningside Farmers Market said it will move Saturday’s market inside Morningside Presbyterian Church.
9:10 a.m.
The National Hurricane Center said new data from the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter indicates that Isaias has strengthened to a major Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph.
8:30 a.m.
The National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. update that Isaias is on the cusp of becoming a major Category 3 hurricane.
The storm is moving north-northwest but is expected to take a turn toward the north later today and make landfall between Ocean Springs, MS, and the Bay/Gulf County Line, FL, late tonight or early Saturday morning.
In the meantime, event cancellations continue, including the Fall Festival on Ponce, the Mighty 6 Domestic Violence Awareness 5K, and A Day, the Day at the Dairies vintage market at Atlanta Dairies, and the Cryptid Creatives Halloween Market in East Atlanta Villiage.
A note for those attending Atlanta Pride this weekend, personal tents will not be allowed in the Meadow at Piedmont Park on Saturday due to high wind warnings. Be sure to follow Atlanta Pride for updates to the weekend schedule.
7 a.m.
The list of closings, cancellations, and postponements of weekend events continues to grow as Hurricane Isaias heads for landfall late tonight or early Saturday morning.
Added to the list since our 6:30 a.m. post are the Clark Atlanta vs. Fort Valley State football game (rescheduled to Nov. 12), the Georgia-Alabama watch party at Chamblee City Hall, Atlanta Turkish Food Festival, Tucker’s annual River Cleanup event, and the North Georgia Folk Festival in Athens.
If you were planning to attend an event this weekend, be sure to check the corresponding website or social media account for updates.
6:30 a.m.
The 5 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center says Isaias is now a Category 2 storm and could strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before it makes landfall tonight or early Saturday morning.
Isaias is the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season and is expected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
A Tropical Storm Watch was issued yesterday for Heard, Meriwether, Pike, Troup, and Upson counties in Georgia. A flood and high wind watch is in effect for most of North Georgia.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for all 159 counties in preparation for the storm. He has also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) beginning early Friday afternoon.
The stormy weather comes amid a busy slate of events scheduled for this weekend.
Both Atlanta Pride and Oakhurst Porchfest said events will be held rain or shine unless there is a severe weather threat. Both organizations urged attendees to monitor their websites and social media for updates.
Two big events scheduled for Saturday have already been cancelled: the annual Chalktoberfest in Marietta and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Atlantic Station.
The big Alabama vs. Georgia game is still expected to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, as weather forecasters believe the storm will have passed Tuscaloosa by kickoff time.
