Isaias has strengthened into the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, recording wind speeds of 80mph and a minimum pressure of 975mb. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects it to intensify further into a category 2 hurricane before reaching the US’s northern Gulf coast on Friday.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably quiet, attributed to a strong El Niño this year. The formation of the first hurricane this late in the season has not occurred since 8 October 1905.
Isaias is forecast to make landfall on Friday evening local time, bringing an estimated 75mm to 150mm of rainfall across the Gulf coast, with potential for up to 250mm in some areas. This carries a risk of flash flooding and isolated river flooding. The NOAA has also indicated an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge along parts of the northern Gulf coast and damaging hurricane-force winds over portions of the Florida panhandle, southern Alabama, and Mississippi. A hurricane warning has been issued, advising local residents to prepare for possible long power outages and to follow official guidance, including evacuation orders.