Isaias Could Deliver the Season’s First US Landfall
Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the southern Gulf after strengthening from Tropical Depression Nine early Wednesday. With sustained winds of 40 mph, Isaias is moving east northeast at 8 mph and is forecast to rapidly intensify, potentially reaching Category 2 hurricane strength. The storm is expected to pass north of the Yucatan Peninsula Thursday before approaching the northern Gulf Coast Friday. Landfall could occur late Friday or early Saturday between Biloxi, Mississippi, and Panama City, Florida. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle face potential impacts, including heavy rain and flash flooding.