Hurricane Isaias caused major power outages across the Gulf Coast. NASA satellite data helped officials track the damage and recovery efforts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season started quietly. However, Hurricane Isaias formed on October 8. It moved toward the Gulf Coast. The storm brought heavy rain and floods to the Southeast.
Strong winds caused significant damage in Alabama and Florida. Trees fell and power lines broke. Many people lost their electricity as a result.
Isaias hit land near Destin, Florida, on October 9. It arrived as a Category 2 hurricane. Winds reached speeds of 105 miles per hour.
Also, gusts reached even higher speeds in some areas. Oriole Beach saw winds hit 117 miles per hour. Pensacola City Hall recorded gusts of 102 miles per hour.
Next, NASA scientists analyzed nighttime light data. They used Black Marble HD imagery to see power losses. Satellite images show dark areas where lights once shone.
The VIIRS sensor on the NOAA-20 satellite captured these views. Experts filtered out clouds and moonlight to see clearly. The images reveal sharp light drops near Pensacola.
Meanwhile, some locations kept their power on during the storm. Pensacola International Airport and downtown areas remained lit. These spots likely used backup generators or better electrical grids.
After that, the team tracked the recovery process. Images from October 12 show lights returning to some neighborhoods. By October 14, the area looked almost like it did before the storm.
Finally, these maps help emergency responders manage resources. They show where people still need help. This data supports the work of FEMA and the Red Cross.
The NASA Disasters Program continues to this information. They post new maps on an open portal. This helps leaders make smart decisions during disasters.