Florida keeps emergency shelters open in nine counties

DUANEWS | October 10, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Emergency shelters remain open in nine Florida counties as communities continue recovering from Hurricane Isaias, which brought destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and widespread power outages to parts of the state.

Although the storm has weakened, Florida officials are continuing emergency response operations to assist residents whose homes were damaged or who cannot safely return to their neighborhoods.

The decision to maintain shelters reflects ongoing concerns about flooding, damaged infrastructure and electricity outages, particularly in communities along the Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle.

Many residents are dealing with fallen trees, blocked roads and damaged power lines as utility crews work to restore electricity.

Emergency shelters provide temporary protection for people displaced by the storm, including families whose homes are unsafe and residents who depend on electricity for essential medical equipment.

Local emergency management agencies are coordinating shelter operations and recovery assistance as officials