Tropical Storm Isaias is forming in the Gulf and could be the first Atlantic hurricane of the season to make landfall.
Tropical Storm Isaias formed in the southern Gulf and is expected to quickly strengthen into a powerful Category 2 hurricane and track toward the northern Gulf Coast later this week. Isaias is expected to approach the coast Friday and landfall is currently estimated late Friday or early Saturday between Biloxi, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida.
Tropical Storm Isaias formed in the southern Gulf and is expected to quickly strengthen into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane and track toward the northern Gulf Coast later this week. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis already declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.
Isaias is expected to approach the coast Friday, with landfall currently estimated to be late Friday or early Saturday between Biloxi, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida.
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(FOX Weather)
Isaias strengthened from Tropical Depression Nine in the Bay of Campeche early Wednesday and sustained winds of 40 mph and moving east-northeast at 8 mph.
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Isaias’ forecast cone shows it heading directly toward the southern United States, with impacts centered on Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle.
(FOX Weather)
On the forecast track, the depression is expected to pass north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday and approach the northern U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issued a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk for parts of the Southeast on Friday and Saturday.
Today, I signed Executive Order 26-202, declaring a state of emergency in 25 counties in anticipation of Tropical Depression 9. This order ensures that communities have the time and resources needed to prepare for possible severe weather impacts to Florida’s Panhandle and Big Bend region. Floridians should have their plans in place, keep emergency supply kits well stocked, and follow @FLSERT for weather updates and preparedness information.
– Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 7, 2026
Meanwhile, the Gulf water temperatures are currently at their hottest levels on save dating from 1982. Warm waters are conducive to tropical development.
September ended without hurricane for the first time in 32 years, although it is the climatological peak of the season.
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The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
This story is developing. Check back frequently for updates.
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