Isaias Explodes Into Cat 3 as Gulf Coast Braces
Hurricane Isaias has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast. Landfall is expected late Friday into early Saturday, potentially as a Category 2 hurricane between Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida. Alabama, Florida and Georgia have declared states of emergency, while evacuation orders affect multiple coastal communities. Storm surge could reach 9 feet in parts of Florida, and rainfall totals may reach 6 to 10 inches, with isolated amounts up to 15 inches. Damaging winds, flash flooding and tornadoes could threaten the Gulf Coast and areas farther inland.