Hurricane Isaias Kills Four People in Southern US

Isaias was the first hurricane of this year's Atlantic season, and according to NPR, the first hurricane has not come this late for more than 100 years. A strong "Super El Niño" weather pattern in the Pacific has made it harder for storms to form. However, the Gulf of Mexico has stayed very warm, and warm water gives storms energy; warmer seas are also linked to human-caused climate change. Before the storm, Alabama, Florida and Georgia declared states of emergency, and thousands of people were ordered to leave their homes. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned: "You hide from the wind, but you run from the water."

Isaias quickly became weaker, but officials said the danger was not over. Flash floods were expected, with up to 15 inches of rain in some places, and Alabama's governor warned about tornadoes. In Florida, people had to be rescued from cars trapped in floodwater. Meanwhile, two more storms were coming from the Pacific: Hurricane Simon was heading for Mexico, and Tropical Storm Rachel was expected to hit southern California.