The National Hurricane Center said Thursday afternoon that Hurricane Isaias is growing stronger as it moves toward the Gulf Coast. In its 4 p.m. Central update, the agency raised the storm’s maximum sustained winds to 85 knots, about 100 mph.
The eye of the storm is now visible on satellite imagery. Forecasters noted it is the first eye seen in the Atlantic basin during the 2026 hurricane season.
Isaias has turned toward the northeast and is expected to curve north on Friday. The center is forecast to move inland along the northern Gulf Coast within 36 hours, then cross parts of the southeastern United States over the next few days. The hurricane could affect the Florida, Alabama and Mississippi coasts, according to the agency.
Forecasters expect the storm to pass over warm Gulf waters before strong wind shear increases over the next day and a half. That shear could weaken the system as it nears shore. The hurricane is still expected to be dangerous at landfall, and forecasters warned of strong, gusty winds well inland after it crosses the coast.
For South Florida residents, the storm’s track along the Gulf and the Panhandle means little direct impact is expected here, but the NHC continues to issue updates as the system moves. Readers should monitor the NHC and local National Weather Service offices for changes.
