Hurricane Isaias: Life-threatening storm surge, devastating winds forecasted

Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, has strengthened into a Category 3 major hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast. Forecasters expect the storm to make landfall Friday evening or early Saturday between Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle. Officials have issued evacuation orders and states of emergency across Florida and Alabama, warning of life-threatening storm surges up to 9 feet, winds of 120 mph, and up to 15 inches of rain. The storm is expected to weaken after landfall but continue to bring heavy rain and potential tornadoes across the Southeast through the weekend.

Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, has strengthened into a Category 3 major hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast. Forecasters expect the storm to make landfall Friday evening or early Saturday between Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle. Officials have issued evacuation orders and states of emergency across Florida and Alabama, warning of life-threatening storm surges up to 9 feet, winds of 120 mph, and up to 15 inches of rain. The storm is expected to weaken after landfall but continue to bring heavy rain and potential tornadoes across the Southeast through the weekend.