Hurricane Isaias is hours from landfall along the Florida panhandle. Hundreds of thousands are already without power and an extreme wind warning is in effect. 100 mph wind gusts and 6-9 feet of storm surge are expected from this extremely dangerous storm.
An extreme wind warning is in effect for Pensacola FL, Navarre FL, Ferry Pass FL until 8:45 PM CDT for extremely dangerous hurricane winds. Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!
#Isaias 4pm CT update: A life-threatening storm surge is expected from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Suwannee, Florida. Residents under evacuation orders should leave immediately and follow advice from local officials.
Extremely dangerous and damaging hurricane force-winds are expected over portions of the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southern Mississippi where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Residents in these areas should have a safe room to ride out the storm and prepare for long-duration power outages.
Damaging wind gusts are likely over a large portion of the southeastern United States from western and northern Georgia and the southern Appalachians, westward over much of central and northern Alabama, southern middle Tennessee, and Mississippi, especially in areas of higher terrain. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, avoid driving high-profile vehicles, prepare for power outages, and be aware of the potential for falling trees.
Isaias will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S. Gulf coast and much of the Southeast through the weekend. Considerable flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding, will be possible. Landslides are also possible across the Southern Appalachians.
The tornado potential will continue through tonight. The greatest risk will be east of the center, particularly across the Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia. This risk will continue spreading north-northeast across parts of the Southeast on Saturday.
https://t.co/e2Vkdav5Wu
The US has relaxed fuel sanctions on Russia, allowing it to sell diesel fuel with no restrictions on the open market.
OFAC has authorized the sale, delivery, offloading and importation of Russian-origin diesel for the next 6 months, giving Russia a major cash infusion.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake has occured in Panama, with the USGS issuing a red pager, indicating that the earthquake likely caused extensive damage and possibly death. The Tsunami Warning Center has indicated that 1-3 meter high tsunami waves are possible near Panama.
Doctors are now fighting to save the lives of people injured in the Russian strike on Kramatorsk. As of now, 30 people have been confirmed killed, and sadly, that number may rise. The Russian bomb effectively hit two city minibuses. Some of those killed have still not been identified because of the severity of their injuries. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. Another 18 people were injured in the strike. Residential buildings and cars were also damaged.
This strike will not go unanswered. Russia is trying to destroy all life in Donbas, and a response from the world is a must. A forceful response – exactly as the Russians deserve for all the deaths they have brought. May all those killed rest in peace.
1030 pm CDT -- Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft indicate that Isaias has become a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The minimum central pressure is down to 982 mb.
Tropical Cyclone Update: https://t.co/TwSzBidP7e
BREAKING: The Pentagon has instructed CENTCOM to conclude preparations to resume major combat operations in Iran, U.S. officials said. -Axios
Attacks would be expected to include massive bombing of Iranian energy, infrastructure and nuclear targets
https://t.co/uAD8HXZROa
NEW: The Houthis have, at least for now, prevented further Yemeni government advances northward on the Red Sea coastal plain. ISW-CTP is adjusting its previous assessment that Houthi forces on the coastal plain are collapsing in light of evidence in the last 24 hours indicating that the Houthis have stopped Yemeni government-aligned advances.
Other Key Takeaways:
A temporary pause in the Yemeni government ground advance provides both the Houthis and the Yemeni government with time to consolidate their combat forces and positions. The Houthis may use the current pause in government advances on the coastal plain to deploy more reinforcements to the operational area and strengthen defensive positions north of the frontline.
A successful Yemeni government counteroffensive in the mountains east of the coastal plain could support Yemeni government-aligned forces’ advances northward on the coastal plain.
Saudi naval and air forces targeted Houthi military and maritime assets on October 5 that the group could use to attack shipping in the Bab al Mandeb Strait, amid the broader Saudi and Yemeni air campaign to degrade Houthi strike capabilities and support Yemeni government-aligned forces.
The Houthis significantly expanded the scale of their attacks on Saudi military and civilian infrastructure on October 5, likely to compel Saudi Arabia to abandon its support for ongoing Yemeni government counteroffensives. The Houthis believe that they can maximize Saudi economic costs and compel Saudi Arabia to surrender to Houthi demands by striking civilian infrastructure, such as oil facilities and airports.
🔴 BREAKING: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman says that members of the Mecca Defense Alliance stand united against attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and Islamic holy sites, and will activate collective deterrence against those responsible and their backers.