Tropical Storm Isaias Heads Across Gulf as Forecasters Warn of Hurricane Strength
Tropical Storm Isaias was moving across the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and was forecast to strengthen into the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season before reaching the Gulf Coast.
The storm was expected to track northeast across the central Gulf and make landfall late Friday or early Saturday. The area facing the greatest risk extended from southeastern Louisiana through Mississippi and Alabama to the western Florida Panhandle. Tropical storm and hurricane watches were issued along parts of the Gulf Coast, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties.
Forecasters expected Isaias to reach Category 2 strength before landfall, according to America Report, though the outlet said favorable conditions could allow it to briefly become a Category 3 hurricane over the central Gulf. Persistent wind shear could instead limit its development. Very warm Gulf …