Isaias is expected to make landfall Friday night as a dangerous hurricane along the northern Gulf Coast.
FORT MYERS, Fla. —
Hurricane Isaias is now the first major hurricane of the season.
Shortly after 8 a.m. Friday, the National Hurricane Center released a special advisory as Isaias (pronounced “ees-ah-EE-ahs”) strengthened into a major category 3 hurricane. Isaias is tracking north-northeast at 15 mph with winds sustained at 120 miles.
Isaias is making its closest pass to Southwest Florida today, though the storm’s center is still roughly 320 miles northwest of Cape Coral.
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Hurricane Isaias
While warm sea surface temperatures are supporting strengthening in the short-term, Isaias will face high wind shear ahead of landfall.
The National Hurricane Center is calling for Isaias to still be a strong-end Category 2 hurricane at landfall. Regardless, this will still be a dangerous hurricane producing numerous threats for the northern Gulf Coast.
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Forecast Cone
Landfall is expected Friday night between Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle.
Isaias was the latest first-forming Atlantic hurricane on record.
Southwest Florida Impacts
While Isaias poses no direct threat to Southwest Florida, our region will experience indirect impacts today and Saturday.
The main threats will be over the water. Offshore, rough surf and an increased threat of rip currents will be in place. Gulf seas will build to around 3 to 5 feet on Saturday, though calmer conditions will return on Sunday.
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Futurecast Waves
Trailing downpours will filter through the region as Isaias pulls moisture north. Drier conditions will return to Southwest Florida next week.
U.S. Impacts
Those who live anywhere from the Florida Panhandle to Mississippi need to prepare for numerous tropical threats.
Isaias is projected to bring 3 to 7 inches of heavy rain, 5-7 feet of storm surge, the potential for hurricane-force winds, flooding and the risk of tornadoes to parts of the northern Gulf Coast.
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Rainfall Projections
Watches & Warnings
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Watches and Warnings
A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County Line in Florida.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for much of the northern Gulf Coast, from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.
A Storm Surge Warning is in place for points east of the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River in Florida.
Count on the Gulf Coast Hurricane Tracking Team to keep you informed.
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