Tropical Storm Isaias forms in the Gulf, expected to be first landfalling Atlantic hurricane of the season
Isaias strengthened from Tropical Depression Nine in the Bay of Campeche early Wednesday and has sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving east-northeast at 8mph.
Tropical Storm Isaias forms in the Gulf, forecast to become first hurricane of Atlantic season
Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the southern Gulf and is forecast to quickly strengthen into a powerful Category 2 hurricane and charge toward the northern Gulf Coast later this week. Isaias is expected to approach the coast on Friday and landfall is currently estimated to be sometime late Friday or early Saturday between Biloxi, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida.
Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the southern Gulf and is forecast to quickly strengthen into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane and charge toward the northern Gulf Coast later this week. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.
Isaias is expected to approach the coast on Friday, with landfall currently estimated to be sometime late Friday or early Saturday between Biloxi, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida.
Isaias strengthened from Tropical Depression Nine in the Bay of Campeche early Wednesday and has sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving east-northeast at 8mph.
Isaias' forecast cone shows it heading directly toward the southern U.S., with impacts centered over Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle.
On the forecast track, the depression is expected to pass to the north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday, and approach the U.S. northern Gulf Coast on Friday.
NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk for parts of the Southeast on Friday and Saturday.
Meanwhile, Gulf water temperatures are currently at their warmest levels on record dating back to 1982. Warm waters are conducive for tropical development.
September ended without a hurricane for the first time in 32 years, despite it being the climatological peak of the season.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
This story is developing. Check back frequently for updates.