Mongabay · Climate & nature

Tropical Storm Isaias Forms, Forecasted to Become Hurricane

Tropical Storm Isaias has formed and is expected to strengthen into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, potentially making landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast later this week. This storm could tie a 121-year-old record for the latest initial hurricane formation.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the northern Gulf Coast, from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle, indicating possible hurricane conditions within 48 hours. Isaias was located off the coast of Mexico with sustained winds of 45 mph, moving east-northeast.

Forecasters predict Isaias will become a hurricane by Thursday and make landfall late Friday or early Saturday. Residents are advised to prepare for strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall that could cause flash floods.

The approaching storm led to the cancellation of the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, prioritizing the safety of attendees and vendors.

Florida's governor declared a state of emergency for 25 counties in the Panhandle and Big Bend regions, activating the state's emergency management plan.

Isaias is forecast to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain along the Gulf Coast, with some areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches. Parts of the Southeast, including Tennessee and the Carolinas, could see 1 to 3 inches of rain.

The Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet this year, attributed to a strong El Niño, while storm activity in the Pacific has been above average.

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