10/11/2026
Very strong wind shear weakened the core of Isaias very quickly just before striking the Florida coast last night, sparing the coast of strong winds. Winds just off the coast were 105-110 mph, but weakened to 80-100 mph as the storm hit due to frictional effects. But, there was a small area on the back of the storm that was not spared.
The circled area experienced what's called a sting jet. This is a pocket of cold, dry air high in the atmosphere that gets pulled into the back of the storm that is transitioning from a tropical storm to a post-tropical storm. It can produce a brief (1-3 hour) period of wind gusts of 90-120 mph.
Last night, it appears the circled area experienced these kinds of wind, which included Escambia County, Florida (Pensacola area) and Escambia County, Alabama. There are images/videos circulating today of some significant structural damage from these areas, separate from where the storm center made landfall to the east.
If you live in this area, share your damage photos with us.
Credits: Josh’s Severe Weather - Youtube