Isaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season with 80 mph winds, expected to reach Category 2 before hitting the U.S. northern Gulf Coast on Friday, with risks of flash and river flooding. NOAA warns of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds across the Florida panhandle, southern Alabama and Mississippi.

Oct 9, 2026

World

Hurricane Isaias Strengthens, Takes Aim at US Gulf Coast

Isaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, moving across record-warm waters toward the northern US Gulf Coast. It is forecast to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and southern Mississippi late Friday or early Saturday, with rainfall of up to 10 inches and a significant risk of flash flooding.

Oct 8, 2026

Gulf of Mexico | Axios Times