Hurricane Isaias marks the first storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and is the latest first hurricane to form in over a century. The system is currently tracking northeast across the Gulf of Mexico with sustained winds near 80 mph and higher gusts. AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno warns the storm could peak as a major Category 3 hurricane over the central Gulf before making landfall. The National Hurricane Center forecasts landfall along the U.S. northern Gulf Coast as a strong Category 2 storm late Friday night or early Saturday. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 Florida counties in preparation for potential impacts. A hurricane warning covers areas from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Florida panhandle while tropical storm warnings extend further along the coast.
Key Points:
- Hurricane Isaias is the first storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and the latest first hurricane to form in more than 100 years.
