Hurricane Isaias Threatens US Gulf Coast with Landfall Expected Friday Night

Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, has strengthened and is forecast to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast, specifically threatening parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle, late Friday or early Saturday. A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Ocean Springs, MS, to the Bay/Gulf County Line, FL, with a Storm Surge Warning from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to the Steinhatchee River, FL. Tropical Storm Warnings are also in place for adjacent areas. Forecasters anticipate 3 to 7 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 10 inches, and a medium chance of impactful gusty winds. Residents are advised to complete preparations for power outages and flooding by midday Friday.