Isaias threatens to end Atlantic’s 2026 hurricane lull
The 65 mph system could become the season’s first hurricane before reaching the Gulf Coast by the weekend, with watches in place across parts of three states.
Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to strengthen into the Atlantic season’s first hurricane before approaching the US Gulf Coast by the weekend. The US National Hurricane Center reported sustained winds of 65 mph in the Gulf of Mexico, just below hurricane strength.
The storm is expected to cross unusually warm water that could fuel further strengthening. WIRED reports it could peak as a Category 2 storm, with winds of 110 mph, before weakening ahead of landfall. Its eventual strength and landfall location remain uncertain.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches for coastline in Mississippi and Alabama and parts of the Florida Panhandle. Tropical storm watches extend into Louisiana.
WIRED reports rainfall could reach 7 inches, with up to 10 inches in parts of the Panhandle, and storm surge could reach 7 feet. Tornadoes are also possible.
If it forms as forecast, Isaias would end a season that has so far produced eight tropical storms and no hurricanes. WIRED reports accumulated cyclone energy stands at 10.8 units, compared with nearly 102 on average at this point in the season. The storm could also tie or set the record for the latest first Atlantic hurricane, depending on when it reaches hurricane strength.
