Hurricane Isaias strengthening as it approaches Gulf Coast
Hurricane Isaias is strengthening early Friday morning, with its center about 370 miles north-northeast of Progreso, Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is moving north-northeast at approximately 15 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and a minimum central pressure of 963 millibars.
Data from the Air Force and NOAA Hurricane Hunters suggest Isaias is likely to become a major hurricane later today. The storm is forecast to approach the northern Gulf Coast this afternoon and make landfall within the warning area tonight or early Saturday. A turn toward the north is expected later in the day.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach as far as 185 miles. The primary threat is storm surge, with water levels potentially reaching 5 to 7 feet from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Indian Pass, Florida. Surge levels of 4 to 6 feet are possible from Indian Pass to the Steinhatchee River, Florida, and 3 to 5 feet from the river to the Suwannee River. Along the coast, onshore winds may cause dangerous waves and flooding in low-lying areas.
Watches and warnings are in effect along the Gulf Coast. Hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area tonight into early Saturday, with tropical storm conditions beginning later Friday. Rainfall totals could reach 4 to 8 inches across southern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and southwest Georgia, with localized totals up to 15 inches. Flooding, both flash and river, is likely, along with the potential for tornadoes late Friday and Saturday in coastal Alabama, the Panhandle, and parts of Georgia and the Carolinas.
Swells generated by Isaias are already impacting the western and northern Yucatan Peninsula and are expected to spread northward, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the coast. A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River. Hurricane Warnings are in place from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line, Florida. Tropical Storm Warnings cover areas from Louisiana to Florida. A Storm Surge Watch is also in effect from the Suwannee River to Yankeetown, Florida. Officials urge residents to complete preparations as conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly today.
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