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Trump Approves Emergency Declarations as Storm Impacts Surge

By Drooid · Oct 12, 2026, 2:23 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Declares Emergencies

President Donald Trump approved federal emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
The Florida National Guard deployed roughly 5,000 soldiers and airmen for the response.
Uber partnered with Florida to offer free round-trip rides up to $40 to evacuation shelters.
Dozens of Waffle House locations in the Panhandle closed, ending their “open-through-storms” streak.
The U.S. Energy Department authorized emergency crude oil exchanges from the strategic petroleum reserve.

Summary

Isaias Hits Florida

Hurricane Isaias struck the Florida Panhandle near Destin with 105 mph Category 2 winds.
The storm caused four deaths—two in Florida (tree, carbon-monoxide) and two in Alabama (tree, crash).
Power outages peaked at over 900,000 customers, dropping to just above 350,000 by Sunday.
Bellwood, Alabama recorded 12.97 inches of rain, while many locations received 10–20 inches.
The National Weather Service issued more than 53 tornado warnings, mainly near the Georgia-South Carolina border.

Summary

Uthmeier Warns Scams

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned residents of price-gouging and contractor scams after Isaias.
He urged victims to verify contractors’ licenses and report suspected fraud at MyFloridaLegal.com.
He cited text-message schemes offering tree-service deals tied to insurance companies as scams.
Uthmeier said the Department of Legal Affairs will investigate complaints and pursue penalties for violations.
The alert also reminded Floridians to avoid downed power lines and standing water.

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Trump Declares Emergencies

President Donald Trump approved federal emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
The Florida National Guard deployed roughly 5,000 soldiers and airmen for the response.
Uber partnered with Florida to offer free round-trip rides up to $40 to evacuation shelters.
Dozens of Waffle House locations in the Panhandle closed, ending their “open-through-storms” streak.
The U.S. Energy Department authorized emergency crude oil exchanges from the strategic petroleum reserve.

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