Tropical Storm Isaias Forms in Gulf, Rapid Strengthening Forecast Before Gulf Coast Approach

Tropical Depression Nine strengthened into Tropical Storm Isaias early Wednesday, October 7, as the system continued organizing over the southwestern Gulf.

At 4 a.m. CDT, Isaias was located about 580 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Maximum sustained winds had increased to 40 mph, with a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb. The storm was moving east-northeast at 8 mph.

Isaias Forecast to Become Hurricane Thursday

The National Hurricane Center said rapid strengthening is expected during the next day or two, with Isaias forecast to become a hurricane by Thursday.

The storm is expected to pass north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula before turning northeast and then north, approaching the northern U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday.

There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect, but Hurricane Watches will likely be required for part of the northern Gulf Coast later Wednesday.

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat

From Friday through the weekend, Isaias could produce 3 to 6 inches of rain from southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, with isolated totals potentially reaching 10 inches.

Heavy rain is also expected to spread inland across parts of the Southeast, bringing the possibility of flash flooding, urban flooding and isolated river flooding.

Residents along the northern Gulf Coast are being urged to closely monitor forecast updates as the storm strengthens.

This is a developing weather situation.