Isaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, with winds of 80 mph and a minimum central pressure of 975 mb. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the storm is expected to strengthen to Category 2 as it approaches the U.S. northern Gulf Coast on Friday.
Due to a strong El Niño, this year's Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet. This marks the first time since October 8, 1905 — before the satellite era of the 1960s, which enabled detection of many storms that never made landfall — that the season's first hurricane formed this late.
Isaias is expected to make landfall Friday evening local time, carrying an estimated 75-150 mm (2.9-5.9 inches) of rain along the Gulf Coast. Some areas could see up to 250 mm, with risks of flash and river flooding.
NOAA also reported a growing likelihood of life-threatening storm surge along parts of the northern Gulf Coast and damaging hurricane-force winds across parts of the Florida panhandle, southern Alabama and Mississippi. Hurricane warnings have been issued, and residents are urged to prepare for extended power outages and to comply with any evacuation orders.
In Zimbabwe, authorities in the southeastern province of Masvingo declared a state of disaster on Tuesday after intense hailstorms caused widespread damage to homes and critical infrastructure.
A preliminary assessment found that the roofs of 8,500 homes were blown off. Another 15,300 people reported broken windows, leaving many exposed to harsh weather as the rainy season begins.
The country's power system was heavily affected, disrupting drainage and sewage systems and raising public health concerns.
In Australia, a rare tornado struck the town of Ulladulla, about 140 miles (230 km) south of Sydney, on October 3. Tornadoes are relatively rare in Australia, with about 50 occurring each year. The Ulladulla tornado damaged property and downed trees.
