Hurricane Isaias & Panama City Beach: What Visitors Need to Know

Last updated: October 9, 2026, at 6:04 p.m. CDT

Hurricane information can change quickly. This page reflects the latest information available at the time shown above. For emergency instructions, evacuation information and official weather forecasts, always follow Bay County Emergency Management, the National Weather Service Tallahassee and the National Hurricane Center.

If you’re currently in Panama City Beach or have a trip planned for the next few days, Hurricane Isaias is bringing the threat of dangerous weather conditions to the Florida Panhandle.

Friday, October 9 — 4:00 p.m. CDT Update: Hurricane Isaias remains a dangerous Category 3 major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm is approximately 90 miles south of Pensacola, moving north at 17 mph. Landfall is expected along the western Florida Panhandle coast this evening. Conditions are deteriorating rapidly across the warning areas, and residents and visitors should remain in safe shelter and follow all instructions from local emergency officials.

Panama City Beach and Coastal Bay County remain under Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings. Dangerous winds, storm surge, flooding rainfall and possible tornadoes are significant concerns through Friday and Saturday.

Residents and visitors should follow local emergency instructions and avoid unnecessary travel as conditions deteriorate.

Here’s what visitors to Panama City Beach need to know.

Hurricane Isaias is expected to bring significant impacts to the Florida Panhandle, including areas outside the storm’s forecast cone. The exact track and intensity can still change, and dangerous conditions may extend well beyond the center of the hurricane.

Wind — October 9, 5:20 p.m. Update: The National Weather Service Tallahassee forecasts peak sustained winds of 45–55 mph for Coastal Bay County, including Panama City Beach, with gusts potentially reaching 75 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected through early Saturday morning. Residents and visitors should remain in safe shelter and avoid unnecessary travel.

Storm Surge: Life-threatening storm surge is a major concern along the coast. The forecast indicates the potential for approximately 4–7 feet of inundation above normally dry ground in vulnerable coastal areas. The greatest risk is Friday into Saturday. Actual impacts will vary depending on location, elevation, storm track and timing.

Flash Flooding — October 9, 5:20 p.m. Update: The National Weather Service has issued Flash Flood Warnings for Bay County, including Panama City Beach. Local law enforcement has already reported flooded roads in Lynn Haven and Panama City, and additional heavy rainfall is expected. A warning for central Bay County remains in effect until 8:30 p.m. CDT, with a broader Bay County warning continuing until 10 p.m. CDT. Flash flooding may be life-threatening. Residents and visitors should remain sheltered, avoid unnecessary travel and never attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Tornadoes — Updated October 9, 2026, at 1:31 p.m. CDT: A Tornado Watch is now in effect for Bay County, including Panama City Beach, until 8:00 p.m. CDT Friday, October 9. The National Weather Service warns that tornadoes could develop within Hurricane Isaias’s outer rainbands as the storm approaches the Florida Panhandle. A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Residents and visitors should remain alert, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, and be prepared to move immediately to a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building if a Tornado Warning is issued.

Timing: Conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout Friday, with the most significant impacts occurring Friday into Saturday. The hurricane’s center is currently forecast to reach the western Florida Panhandle coast Friday evening, but hazardous conditions can arrive well before the center reaches land.

The National Weather Service urges residents and visitors to complete preparations before winds become hazardous.

For the latest forecast, visit the National Hurricane Center or National Weather Service Tallahassee.

Bay County emergency officials have announced a voluntary evacuation order for Evacuation Zones A and B, as well as residents and visitors staying in mobile or manufactured homes anywhere in Bay County.

If you’re staying in a beachfront condo, vacation rental, hotel or other low-lying property, do not assume you know your evacuation zone.

Use Bay County’s Evacuation Zone Map to verify your location.

Evacuation zones are based primarily on storm surge exposure, and they are not the same as FEMA flood zones.

If an evacuation order applies to your location, follow the instructions of local emergency officials. Do not wait until roads begin flooding or conditions become unsafe.

Important: Evacuation orders can change as the storm approaches. Check Bay County Emergency Management for the latest instructions before making travel decisions.

Bay County announced the opening of an emergency shelter at:

Deane Bozeman School
13410 Highway 77
Panama City, FL

The shelter was scheduled to open Thursday, October 8, at 3:00 p.m. Verify its current operating status and availability with Bay County Emergency Management before traveling.

Emergency shelters provide a safe place during dangerous conditions, but they are not intended to offer hotel-style accommodations.

Those seeking shelter should bring essential items, including prescription medications, medical supplies, bedding, blankets, personal toiletries, important documents and phone chargers.

Pets are permitted under the county’s announced shelter arrangements. Pet owners should bring a secure carrier or crate, leash, food, water, medications and vaccination records.

Need transportation to a shelter?

Bay County has announced transportation assistance for residents and visitors who cannot reach the shelter independently.

Call 850-769-0557 and select option 2 to request assistance.

For additional information, contact the Bay County Citizens Information Center at 850-248-6090.

Shelter arrangements, transportation availability and emergency instructions may change. Check Bay County’s official emergency updates or register for AlertBay notifications.

Because of the expected impacts from Hurricane Isaias, Pineapple Willy’s will be closed Friday, October 9, and for lunch Saturday, October 10.

Our tentative reopening time is Saturday, October 10, at 4:00 p.m.

Our priority is keeping our employees and guests out of hazardous conditions while the storm moves through the area.

Reopening will depend on weather conditions, road accessibility, power availability and any damage or safety concerns following the storm.

Please check our website and official social media pages for updates before heading our way.

Most importantly, do not travel to Pineapple Willy’s or the beach to watch the storm in person.

There will be plenty of time for ribs, daiquiris and sunsets after Isaias moves through.

Want to see what’s happening along the beach without traveling into dangerous conditions?

You can watch our Panama City Beach Beach Cams for live views of the Gulf and shoreline.

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

Our cameras provide a way to observe changing weather conditions from a safe location, whether you’re a local resident sheltering at home or someone watching from another part of the country.

You can also visit our Current Conditions page for additional weather and beach information.

Remember: Beach cameras show only what is visible at a particular location. They are not a substitute for official forecasts, emergency alerts, evacuation instructions or beach warnings.

Dangerous Gulf conditions can develop well before a hurricane makes landfall and can continue long after the worst weather has passed.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for Coastal Bay County through 10:00 a.m. CDT Sunday, October 11, along with a High Rip Current Risk through late Sunday night.

Large breaking waves, powerful currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion may create life-threatening conditions along the shoreline.

Even if the weather appears to improve Saturday or Sunday, Gulf waters may remain extremely dangerous.

Beach Safety — Updated October 9, 2026, at 3:10 p.m. CDT: The National Weather Service forecasts dangerously large breaking waves of 8–12 feet along Bay County beaches. A High Surf Warning remains in effect through 10 a.m. Sunday, October 11, and a high risk of life-threatening rip currents continues through late Sunday night. Everyone should stay out of the Gulf and away from piers, jetties and other shoreline structures, even after hurricane conditions begin to improve.

Do not enter the Gulf to swim, surf or attempt to experience the storm.

Follow all posted beach warning flags and instructions from local authorities.

You can learn more about the local warning-flag system in our Panama City Beach Beach Safety Guide.

Hurricane conditions can make travel dangerous before, during and after landfall.

Bay County officials have reminded residents that bridges do not automatically close at a predetermined wind speed. An open bridge should not be assumed safe to cross during hazardous conditions.

Heavy rainfall, storm surge, downed trees, damaged traffic signals and debris can make roads impassable.

Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.

Bay County government offices are closed Friday, October 9. Other government facilities, attractions and businesses may also be closed or operating on modified schedules.

For road conditions and travel information, visit FL511.

Even after the storm passes, residents and visitors should avoid unnecessary travel until officials have assessed conditions and cleared hazards.

Local Event Cancellations — October 9: Hurricane Isaias has forced changes to several major Panama City Beach events. The Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest, originally scheduled for October 9–11, has been canceled. The PCB Seafood Festival, originally planned for the same weekend, has been rescheduled for October 16–18 at Capt. Anderson’s Marina. Visitors should confirm the status of other scheduled activities, attractions and businesses directly with organizers before making plans.

Panama City Beach Closures — October 9: All City of Panama City Beach offices are closed due to Hurricane Isaias. Emergency responders, public works and utilities personnel remain on duty throughout the storm. The city has also announced that its sandbag supply at Frank Brown Park has been exhausted. Residents and visitors should avoid unnecessary travel and monitor official city announcements for reopening information.

If you’re currently vacationing in Panama City Beach, stay in contact with your hotel, condominium or vacation-rental manager and follow instructions from local emergency officials.

Know your evacuation zone and have a plan for where you will go if you need to leave.

Keep phones and backup batteries charged, have necessary medications available and make sure everyone in your group knows your emergency plan.

Avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded areas and never approach downed power lines.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

For general Bay County storm information, contact the Citizens Information Center at 850-248-6090.

Rely on official sources rather than rumors or unverified social media posts when making safety decisions.

For the most current and reliable information, use these official resources:

• National Hurricane Center — Storm track, intensity, watches, warnings and forecast updates.
• National Weather Service Tallahassee — Detailed forecasts and expected impacts for Panama City Beach and Bay County.
• Bay County Emergency Management — Evacuations, shelters, closures and local emergency instructions.
• Bay County Evacuation Zones — Find the evacuation zone for your property.
• AlertBay — Local emergency notifications.
• Florida Division of Emergency Management — Statewide emergency information.
• FL511 — Road conditions and travel alerts.

Forecasts and emergency instructions can change quickly. Check official sources frequently as Hurricane Isaias approaches and moves through the region.

Just because the wind and rain have stopped does not mean it is immediately safe to resume normal activities.

Flooded roads, downed power lines, debris, damaged traffic signals, beach erosion and dangerous Gulf conditions may remain after the storm moves inland.

If you evacuated, wait for instructions from local officials before returning to an affected area.

Avoid unnecessary travel so emergency responders, utility crews and public works teams can safely assess damage and restore services.

We will continue updating this page with information about Pineapple Willy’s reopening, beach conditions and other important local developments as conditions become clearer.

You can also check our Beach Cams and Current Conditions pages for views of conditions along the beach.

Panama City Beach has been our home since 1984, and storms are something this community takes seriously.

Whether you live here, work here or are visiting us for a few days, please make safety your priority.

Follow local emergency officials. Know your evacuation zone. Stay away from the Gulf during dangerous conditions. Give first responders and utility crews room to work.

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.