Hurricane Isaias makes landfall along US Gulf Coast
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Isaias has officially made landfall near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 storm on Friday night.
The National Hurricane Center initiated advisories -- and the all-important track maps -- on Tropical Depression Nine on Tuesday afternoon. Forecasters said the depression could become Tropical Storm Isaias (pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs) by Wednesday and then the first hurricane of 2026 on Thursday as it tracks northward toward the Gulf Coast.
The Northern West Coast is starting to feel tropical storm conditions as Hurricane Isaias gets closer. Isaias may strike the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph this evening,
Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to strengthen into Hurricane Isaias before making a dangerous U.S. landfall this weekend, bringing the threat of heavy rain, flooding and tropical storm impacts to the Gulf Coast.
Tropical Storm Isaias has formed on a path toward the southeastern United States and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall late Friday. Flooding, storm surge and tornadoes are likely along the northern Gulf Coast, with impacts stretching well inland from the coast by Sunday.
Where is Hurricane Isaias? It is forecast to hit the Gulf Coast in Florida as a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 120 mph Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
Here’s the latest forecast track and spaghetti models for Hurricane Isaias, which is expected to become a major Category 3 storm before landfall near Pensacola, Florida.
As of Thursday, Oct. 8, Isaias is a Category 1 hurricane, the first of the 2026 Atlantic season. Track the storm and see potential impact to NC.
All eyes are on the Gulf as Hurricane Isaias heads toward the northern Gulf Coast. North Florida residents under watches or warnings are encouraged to finalize preparations by late Thursday. Landfall is expected late Friday or early Saturday.
Sustained winds are considered “damaging” when they reach 50 knots, or 58 m.p.h., and can start to break tree limbs and tear off roof shingles. More widespread damage occurs as winds reach and exceed hurricane force, which is 74 m.p.h.
As Hurricane Isaias barrels toward the Gulf Coast, AI models are being used for the first time to track the storm’s progress. NBC meteorologist Bill Karins explains how they differ from conventional models and why the National Hurricane Center is optimistic about the use of AI.