Hurricane Isaias could hit Gulf Coast Friday or Saturday

Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, has strengthened into a Category 2 storm as it approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, primarily targeting the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, and Mississippi. Governors in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia have declared states of emergency, and mandatory evacuations have been issued for low-lying coastal areas. Forecasters warn of life-threatening storm surges, sustained winds over 100 mph, and heavy rainfall that could lead to significant flooding and power outages.

Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, has strengthened into a Category 2 storm as it approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, primarily targeting the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, and Mississippi. Governors in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia have declared states of emergency, and mandatory evacuations have been issued for low-lying coastal areas. Forecasters warn of life-threatening storm surges, sustained winds over 100 mph, and heavy rainfall that could lead to significant flooding and power outages.