Tropical Storm Isaias, the ninth named storm of the year, is moving away from South Florida. Isaias is expected to make its way North along the East Coast starting on Saturday, August 1st, and could end by Thursday, August 6th.

Isaias has caused power outages to approximately 27,400 customers in South Florida, according to the Florida Power & Light (FPL). The FPL spokesman, Bryan Garner, stated that the power outages could last longer than usual due to the pandemic. There are limitations due to the fact that the FPL team is working on social distancing by working in smaller groups, going through temperature checks and health screenings, including making sure that their equipment is sanitized.

Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, has issued a state of emergency throughout Florida’s east coast which will be affecting Miami-Dade through Nassau County. Florida State will not be opening shelters at the moment, since they seem not to be needed. Although, in Palm Beach County, Mayor Dave Kerner stated that a zone that primarily has mobile homes, will be evacuated. The county will open six shelters at area schools and at a recreation center. Kerner said that the shelters would feature coronavirus precautions, including having their temperatures checked and dividing families into units. Masks will be provided and law enforcement will help enforce social distancing.

Tropical Storm Isaias has made its way throughout the Caribbean - affecting Dominica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, and now it is 40 miles southeast of West Palm Beach, Florida and moving northwest at 8 mph.

Words by Nino Reyes

Cox Media Group