Hurricane Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, is approaching the northern Gulf Coast, prompting warnings across parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 25 counties.
Key Highlights
- Hurricane Isaias is the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season.
- The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of about 80 mph on Thursday morning.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 25 counties.
- A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Steinhatchee River in Florida.
- Landfall is forecast for late Friday or early Saturday within the warned area.
- Forecasters are warning of storm surge, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes.
Hurricane Isaias Strengthens Over Gulf of Mexico
According to the National Hurricane Center’s 7 a.m. CDT intermediate advisory on Thursday, October 8, the centre of Hurricane Isaias was located near latitude 23.7° north and longitude 90.6° west.
The hurricane was moving east-northeast at about 9 mph, with maximum sustained winds of approximately 80 mph and minimum central pressure of 975 millibars. Hurricane hunters were also operating inside the storm to gather additional data.
Forecasters expected Isaias to turn toward the northeast later Thursday before moving north on Friday. The system is forecast to make landfall within the warning area late Friday or early Saturday after passing north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Storm Surge and Hurricane Warnings Issued
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Steinhatchee River in Florida.
A Hurricane Warning covers the area from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida, while a Tropical Storm Warning extends from the Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to west of Ocean Springs.
The National Hurricane Center urged residents in the warning areas to complete preparations for storm surge and damaging winds on Thursday.
Earlier forecasts warned that storm surge could reach 5 to 7 feet above ground level from Ocean Springs to Indian Pass, including Mobile Bay, if the peak surge coincides with high tide.
Heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes are also possible across inland areas.
Isaias Developed Rapidly Over Warm Gulf Waters
Hurricane Isaias began as Tropical Depression Nine before strengthening into Tropical Storm Isaias on Wednesday in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.
It reached hurricane strength later Wednesday while moving over exceptionally warm water.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had already warned of an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall along the northern Gulf Coast, stretching from coastal Louisiana through Mississippi and Alabama to the Florida Panhandle.
Florida Declares Emergency in 25 Counties
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Tuesday under Executive Order 26-202, before the system had developed into a named storm.
The emergency declaration covers 25 counties, including Baker, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla and Washington.
The affected areas are primarily in Florida’s Panhandle and Big Bend regions, rather than the state’s east coast.
“This order will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to stage critical preparedness resources and ensure Florida is ready to respond,” DeSantis said.
The governor also urged residents to complete disaster plans and ensure their hurricane emergency kits are ready.
Read also:
- Hurricane leaves a trail of destruction across the Caribbean
- Climate Change: More than 300 people killed in South Africa’s deadliest storm
- Trump Considers Suspending Federal Gas Tax as US Fuel Prices Surge Ahead of Midterms
Florida Stages Emergency Supplies
The State Emergency Response Team has begun positioning emergency supplies in Tallahassee and the Santa Rosa area.
The resources include generators, fuel, flood barriers, water, shelf-stable meals, tarps, sandbags and tiger dams.
State officials warned that North Florida could experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, isolated tornadoes and an increased risk of flash flooding because soils in the region are already saturated.
Landfall Expected Within 36 Hours
The next 36 hours are expected to be critical as Hurricane Isaias moves toward the northern Gulf Coast.
The storm’s track is forecast to bend north toward the central and eastern sections of the northern Gulf, with landfall expected late Friday or early Saturday within the currently warned area.
Residents in affected coastal communities have been urged to complete preparations before conditions deteriorate and to closely monitor official weather updates.
For more global news updates, follow us on X.
