Isaias Expected to Rapidly Strengthen Before Striking the Gulf Coast

Is it really happening? Forecasters are growing increasingly certain that the first hurricane of the Atlantic season is about to form. Here is a look at when and where this storm is forecast to make landfall.

Tropical Storm Isaias Forecast to Become First Hurricane of the Atlantic Season

Tropical Depression 9 formed in the Gulf on Tuesday, evolving into Tropical Storm Isaias on Wednesday. This system is now expected to become the first hurricane of the Atlantic season as it churns closer to the U.S. central Gulf Coast region. 

As of the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Isaias is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The storm is moving to the east-northeast at a speed of 8 mph, heading closer to the U.S. from its point of origin in the Bay of Campeche.

Should the forecast come to fruition, Isaias will go down in history as the latest first hurricane to ever form in the Atlantic in over 100 years of record-keeping. Water temperatures in the Gulf are hovering in the 80s, currently well over the threshold needed to support tropical development.