Gulf Coast Prepares for Hurricane Isaias as Storm Strengthens

Why it matters locally: While initial declarations are in Alabama and Florida, the strengthening of Hurricane Isaias and its trajectory toward the Gulf Coast raises potential concerns for Texas, particularly its coastal industries and communities. Local emergency services across coastal Texas, including the Houston Fire Department Station 65 in Huffman and the Cypress Creek Fire Department in Cypress, would be monitoring the storm's evolving path closely.

Hurricane Isaias intensified tonight as the storm tracked toward the Gulf Coast. Officials in Alabama and Florida have each declared a state of emergency. NBC News correspondent Al Roker provided the latest information regarding the storm's projected path.