Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the southern Gulf and is forecast to quickly strengthen into a powerful Category 2 hurricane and charge toward the northern Gulf Coast later this week. Isaias is expected to approach the coast on Friday and landfall is currently estimated to be sometime late Friday or early Saturday between Biloxi, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida.
Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the southern Gulf and is forecast to quickly strengthen into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane and charge toward the northern Gulf Coast later this week. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.
Isaias is expected to approach the coast on Friday, with landfall currently estimated to be sometime late Friday or early Saturday between Biloxi, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida.
Isaias stats
(FOX Weather)
Isaias strengthened from Tropical Depression Nine in the Bay of Campeche early Wednesday and has sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving east-northeast at 8mph.
Isaias’ forecast cone shows it heading directly toward the southern U.S., with impacts centered over Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle.
Tracking Isaias
(FOX Weather)
On the forecast track, the depression is expected to pass to the north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday, and approach the U.S. northern Gulf Coast on Friday.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has 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 for 25 counties in preparation for Tropical Depression Nine. This order ensures communities have the time and resources necessary to prepare for potential severe weather impacts to the Panhandle and Big Bend region of Florida. Floridians should have their plans in place, keep emergency supply kits fully stocked, and follow @FLSERT for weather updates and preparedness information.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 7, 2026
Meanwhile, Gulf water temperatures are currently at their warmest levels on record dating back to 1982. Warm waters are conducive for tropical development.
September ended without a hurricane for the first time in 32 years, despite it being the climatological peak of the season.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
This story is developing. Check back frequently for updates.