Florida Urges Evacuations as Hurricane Isaías Approaches: Three Airports to Shut Down Thursday

In response to the looming threat of Hurricane Isaías, officials in Okaloosa County, located in the northwest of Florida, have mandated evacuations in several coastal areas and announced the closure of three local airports on Thursday, October 8. The storm is currently making its way through the Gulf of Mexico towards the U.S. coast.

Mandatory evacuations will commence at noon on Thursday, while the three county-managed airports are scheduled to cease operations starting at 9:00 p.m. local time. This decision was communicated by local authorities on Wednesday, as Okaloosa declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the hurricane's potential to bring destructive winds, coastal flooding, and prolonged power outages.

Evacuation Zones in Okaloosa County

The official statement from Okaloosa County Emergency Management outlines the affected zones, evacuation times, airport closures, and the availability of shelters for residents. Those residing in the coastal zones A and B, identified as particularly susceptible to flooding and storm surges, are required to evacuate.

Included areas are:

• Okaloosa Island
• Coastal sections of Fort Walton Beach
• Coastal areas of Destin
• Specific parts of Mary Esther
• Certain sections of Niceville within the designated evacuation zones

It's important to note that not all residents in these cities need to leave, only those living in zones A and B as specified. Residents can verify if their address falls within these zones by utilizing the official Okaloosa County evacuation map.

Tourists and visitors from outside the area have been advised to begin leaving from 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7. Unlike the mandatory evacuation for residents, this advisory to visitors is a precautionary request.

Airports Closing Due to Hurricane Conditions

The county government confirmed that the three airports under its jurisdiction will close at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, due to expected severe weather conditions. The affected airports are:

• Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS): Serves commercial flights for Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and surrounding areas in northwest Florida.
• Destin Executive Airport (DTS): Primarily caters to general and executive aviation.
• Bob Sikes Airport (CEW): Located in Crestview, used for general aviation and specialized aeronautical activities.

According to the official announcement, aircraft operations will be prohibited post-9:00 p.m., and airport terminals or facilities will not serve as shelters during the emergency. This closure is limited to these three Okaloosa airports and does not affect airports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando.

Travelers with flights to or from VPS should check directly with their airline for updates on potential cancellations or schedule changes, as operational adjustments may occur prior to the scheduled closure.

Shelters and Emergency Preparations

Two shelters will open to accommodate evacuated residents starting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8. The first is at Davidson Middle School, located at 6261 Old Bethel Road, Crestview, Florida 32536. This facility will welcome the general public, individuals with special needs, and residents with pets, with animals housed separately. Those with special needs must follow the pre-registration process as set by health authorities.

The second shelter will be at Raider Arena, Northwest Florida State College, at 100 E. College Boulevard, Niceville, Florida 32578. Additional shelters may be established depending on the storm’s progression and housing demand.

Individuals heading to shelters should bring identification, medications, clothing, hygiene items, bedding, chargers, insurance documents, and any necessary items for medical or dietary needs.

Sandbag Distribution and Alerts

In preparation for potential flooding, Okaloosa has set up two self-service locations where residents can obtain sand and bags while supplies last. These are Stillwell Park at 710 Essex Road, Fort Walton Beach, and Public Works North at 1759 South Ferdon Boulevard, Crestview.

The county's Emergency Operations Center activated on Wednesday at level 2 and plans to increase its operational capacity by Friday morning. Regular public transportation in the county will be suspended starting Friday, October 9, with plans to resume service once conditions improve.

Residents can subscribe to official notifications via Alert Okaloosa or by texting OKALOOSAFL to 888777.

Hurricane Isaías: Wind, Surge, and Heavy Rain Warning

The evacuations follow the announcement by the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) on Wednesday night that Isaías had reached category 1 status, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h). The NHC continues to issue hurricane, storm surge, and tropical storm warnings for various parts of the northern Gulf Coast, where there is a significant risk of dangerous flooding, wind damage, and power outages.

Previously, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 25 Florida counties to enhance preparedness and resource allocation. The state declaration and specific evacuation orders are distinct measures: the former allows for disaster response coordination, while the latter directly affects areas identified by local authorities in Okaloosa.

Residents are urged not to delay leaving evacuation zones and to stay informed through NHC bulletins and updates from Okaloosa County Emergency Management, as emergency measures and timings may change with the hurricane's development.