Hurricane Isaias Hits Gulf Coast: Advisories Issued

Hurricane Isaias intensified overnight, becoming the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season and prompting storm advisories along the Gulf Coast. Maximum sustained winds reached 105 mph Thursday afternoon, and forecasters anticipated it would strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane later that day.

Residents in the western Florida Panhandle and along the coasts of Alabama and Mississippi are preparing for significant weather impacts. Hurricane Warnings are in effect for portions of the western Florida Panhandle, with Tropical Storm Warnings extending near Apalachee Bay. These areas could experience winds of 74 to 110 mph, a storm surge of 5 to 7 feet, and 3 to 6 inches of rain.

Isaias is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday near the Alabama-Florida border. The National Hurricane Center reported the storm was moving east-northeast at 9 mph as of its 2 p.m. Thursday update.

While not directly heading toward Central Florida, the region will feel Isaias's influence starting Friday. Fast-moving showers, isolated thunderstorms, and a risk of isolated tornadoes are possible from Friday through Sunday. Rain coverage is anticipated to be less than in recent days. Residents from Baldwin Park to Lake Eola should monitor the latest forecasts.