Hurricane Isaias: Panama City Beach Updates & Beach Safety

Sunday, October 11 — Hurricane Isaias Final Update

Hurricane Isaias has moved away from the Florida Panhandle, and the National Hurricane Center has ended its advisories on the storm.

As of Sunday morning, Isaias had weakened to a post-tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 25 mph and was located approximately 180 miles northeast of Nashville, Tennessee. The system is expected to dissipate as it continues moving northeast.

All hurricane, tropical storm and storm surge warnings associated with Isaias have been discontinued.

Panama City Beach is now focused on storm recovery. While the immediate hurricane threat has passed, dangerous rip currents, lingering power outages and storm-related road hazards remain concerns for residents and visitors.

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, Friday evening, October 9, as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of approximately 105 mph.

The storm has since weakened significantly and moved inland.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s final advisory, issued at 4:00 a.m. CDT Saturday, Isaias is now a post-tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, located over central Alabama.

All Hurricane, Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings associated with Isaias have been discontinued.

Although the strongest storm conditions have passed Panama City Beach, dangerous Gulf conditions, coastal flooding and hazards from storm damage remain concerns.

Here’s what residents and visitors need to know.

The National Weather Service Tallahassee forecasts improving weather conditions throughout Saturday as Isaias moves farther inland.

Wind: Winds are decreasing across Coastal Bay County. Saturday’s forecast calls for southwest winds of approximately 15–20 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 30 mph. Conditions should continue improving into Sunday.

Coastal Flooding: The Coastal Flood Advisory for Panama City Beach expired at 11:00 a.m. CDT Saturday, October 10. Coastal flooding concerns have decreased, although standing water and storm-related damage may remain in some low-lying areas.

Rainfall and Flooding: The National Weather Service no longer lists a Flood Watch for Bay County. The heaviest rainfall associated with Isaias has moved away from Panama City Beach. However, residents and visitors should continue exercising caution around standing water, damaged drainage systems and previously flooded roadways.

Tornadoes: The tornado watch previously issued for Bay County has expired. The primary tornado threat associated with Isaias has shifted away from Panama City Beach.

Beach Conditions: Dangerous surf and rip currents remain a major concern despite improving weather. See the beach safety section below.

Residents and visitors should continue checking the National Weather Service Tallahassee for updated local conditions.

Sunday, October 11 — Reopening Update

We’re happy to announce that Pineapple Willy’s has reopened following Hurricane Isaias!

After being closed due to the storm and subsequent power outage, we’re back open and ready to welcome everyone to the beach.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding, and we’re especially grateful to the utility crews, first responders and everyone working to help our community recover.

While we’re open, dangerous rip currents and some storm-related hazards remain in the area. Please continue following local beach safety guidance.

We look forward to seeing you at Willy’s!

Panama City Beach Conditions — Sunday, October 11

Beach conditions continue improving following Hurricane Isaias, but dangerous rip currents remain a concern.

According to the National Weather Service Tallahassee’s latest surf forecast:

• Beach Flags: Single-red flags are flying across Bay County beaches, indicating hazardous water conditions.
• Rip Currents: A High Rip Current Risk remains in effect through late Sunday night, October 11.
• Surf: Waves are approximately 2 feet today.
• Monday, October 12: Surf is expected to decrease to around 1 foot, with a Moderate Rip Current Risk.
• Tuesday, October 13: A Low Rip Current Risk is forecast, with surf of 1 foot or less.

The High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory have both been discontinued.

Although conditions are improving, dangerous rip currents can occur even when waves appear relatively small. Visitors should follow posted beach warning flags and instructions from local beach safety officials before entering the Gulf.

For additional information, visit our Panama City Beach Beach Safety Guide.

Sunday, October 11 — Panama City Beach Recovery Update

Recovery efforts continue throughout Panama City Beach following Hurricane Isaias.

The City of Panama City Beach reports that Florida Power & Light crews are continuing to restore electricity to affected homes and businesses.

Several traffic signals remain inoperable throughout the city. Drivers should treat intersections with nonfunctioning signals as four-way stops and exercise caution around utility crews, storm debris and damaged infrastructure.

Residents can report downed trees, blocked roads, flooding and drainage issues through the city’s myPCB reporting system.

Although the weather has improved significantly, some businesses and attractions may still be affected by power outages or storm damage. Visitors should confirm operating hours before traveling.

City crews throughout the Panama City area are assessing storm damage, clearing debris and addressing hazardous road conditions.

Residents and visitors should continue watching for:

• Downed power lines and fallen trees.
• Standing water and flooded roadways.
• Storm debris and damaged infrastructure.
• Inoperable traffic signals.
• Temporary road closures and restricted access.

If a traffic signal is not functioning, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Never drive through flooded roads or around barricades.

The City of Panama City Beach is asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel while emergency personnel and public works crews assess conditions.

Storm-related problems such as blocked roads, downed trees and drainage issues can be reported through the city’s myPCB service portal.

For the latest road conditions and travel alerts, visit FL511.

Before landfall, Bay County issued a voluntary evacuation order for Evacuation Zones A and B, along with mobile and manufactured homes countywide.

The county also opened an emergency shelter at Deane Bozeman School, 13410 Highway 77, Panama City.

Because conditions are changing following the storm, residents should verify the current status of evacuation guidance and shelter operations directly with Bay County Emergency Management.

If you evacuated, do not assume it is safe to return until you have confirmed road access and any applicable instructions from local officials.

For assistance and updated information:

Bay County Citizens Information Center: 850-248-6090

Bay County Emergency Information: Official Emergency Updates

Emergency Notifications: AlertBay

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

Want to see what conditions look like along the beach following Hurricane Isaias?

Our live beach cameras provide views of the Gulf and shoreline as conditions continue improving.

Watch the Panama City Beach Beach Cams

You can also visit FloridaBeachCam.com for quick access to our cameras.

Our Current Conditions page provides additional weather and beach information.

Please remember that cameras show only what is visible at a particular location. Calm-looking water does not necessarily mean swimming conditions are safe.

Always follow official forecasts and beach warning flags.

If you are currently visiting Panama City Beach or planning to arrive this weekend, check with your hotel, condominium or vacation-rental manager before traveling.

Although the worst of the storm has passed, some properties, attractions, roads and services may still be affected.

Confirm operating hours directly with businesses and attractions before making plans.

Avoid unnecessary travel through areas where emergency crews are working.

Most importantly, do not enter the Gulf while dangerous surf and rip-current conditions remain in effect.

For the latest information, use these official sources:

• National Hurricane Center — Final hurricane advisory and historical storm information.
• National Weather Service Tallahassee — Current weather forecasts, coastal flooding and beach hazard information.
• Bay County Emergency Management — Local emergency instructions, evacuations and shelter information.
• City of Panama City Beach Storm Information — Municipal recovery updates and city services.
• Bay County Evacuation Zones — Evacuation zone information.
• AlertBay — Bay County emergency notifications.
• Florida Division of Emergency Management — Statewide emergency information.
• FL511 — Road conditions and travel alerts.

Panama City Beach has been our home since 1984, and we’re grateful for the first responders, emergency management personnel, utility crews and public works teams helping our community recover.

Although Isaias has moved inland, we encourage everyone to continue exercising caution, particularly around flooded roads, damaged infrastructure and dangerous Gulf waters.

Please give emergency and recovery crews the space they need to work safely.

We’ll continue sharing updates about Pineapple Willy’s reopening and local beach conditions as information becomes available.

The beach will still be here when the storm is gone.

And we’ll be ready to welcome everyone back when it’s safe to do so.