Category 3 Hurricane Isaias just hours away from making landfall on Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaias strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane as it approached the northern U.S. Gulf Coast, with landfall expected Friday night between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. near Pensacola, Florida. The storm, which is the first of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, is producing sustained winds of 115–120 mph and a life-threatening storm surge forecasted to reach up to 9 feet in some areas. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties and urged residents in evacuation zones to seek higher ground. Preparations include the mobilization of thousands of National Guard members and utility workers to address expected widespread power outages and flooding.

Hurricane Isaias strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane as it approached the northern U.S. Gulf Coast, with landfall expected Friday night between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. near Pensacola, Florida. The storm, which is the first of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, is producing sustained winds of 115–120 mph and a life-threatening storm surge forecasted to reach up to 9 feet in some areas. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties and urged residents in evacuation zones to seek higher ground. Preparations include the mobilization of thousands of National Guard members and utility workers to address expected widespread power outages and flooding.