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.

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.

The storm is on track to make landfall as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.

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 16 WAPT Weather Team is tracking the tropics. Follow along for the latest info

The National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance in the southwestern Gulf that could develop into a tropical depression.

The remnants of Hurricane Isaias are expected to bring widespread rainfall totals of up to 2 inches across New Jersey on Sunday and into early Monday.

The remnants of Hurricane Isaias could bring heavy rain, isolated flooding and thunderstorms to Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware on Sunday.