NEW YORK (WABC) — Isaias intensified into a major hurricane as it approached the U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday.
Conditions will continue to deteriorate along the Alabama and Florida gulf coasts as the storm approaches landfall tonight.
Fluctuations of strength are expected throughout the afternoon as Isaias approaches the gulf coast, and it is expected to be at or near major hurricane strength when it makes landfall near Pensacola and Destin, Florida.
While the storm is expected to weaken quickly after landfall and transition into an extratropical system, its moisture will spread across much of the eastern United States. As the remnants move northward, they’ll bring a period of rain to the Tri-State area on Sunday.
The first showers are expected to arrive between 8 and 9 a.m. Sunday, with rain becoming more widespread through the day. Rainfall totals are generally forecast between a half-inch and an inch and a half, though some locations could see higher amounts where heavier bands develop. That raises the potential for localized flash flooding, and the region is currently under a Level 1 risk for isolated flooding concerns.
Unlike areas farther south that may contend with severe weather and tornadoes associated with the storm’s outer bands, the local threat remains primarily heavy rain with some occasional gusty winds. The risk of thunderstorms is low.
Sunday will not be a washout from start to finish, but conditions are expected to deteriorate by midday, with the wettest weather arriving during the afternoon and evening hours. Anyone with outdoor plans should try to get them in early before the soggier half of the day settles in.
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