
Isaias becomes 2026’s first hurricane, threatening Gulf Coast with major surge and rain
Tropical Storm Isaias intensified into the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, posing a significant threat to the northern U.S. Gulf Coast. Forecasters expect landfall between late Friday and early Saturday, with potential Category 3 strength, heavy rainfall, and storm surges up to 7 feet. Officials in Florida and Alabama have declared states of emergency, while the storm’s late-season arrival highlights the impact of a strong El Niño on Atlantic activity.













