(LOOTPRESS) – Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the Gulf and is forecast to strengthen rapidly before approaching the northern U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center’s early Wednesday advisory.
As of 4 a.m. CDT, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving east-northeast at 8 mph. The storm was about 580 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Forecasters expect Isaias to become a hurricane by Thursday. It is projected to pass north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula that day before turning north toward the U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday.
No coastal watches or warnings were in effect at the time of the advisory, but hurricane watches will likely be issued for part of the northern Gulf Coast later Wednesday. Residents should closely monitor updates as the forecast develops.
Heavy rain could bring flooding from the Gulf Coast into parts of the Southeast. From Friday through the weekend, areas from far southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle could receive 3 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching 10 inches.
Farther inland, much of the Southeast—including parts of the Tennessee Valley and the Carolinas—could receive 1 to 3 inches, with isolated amounts up to 5 inches. Flash flooding, flooding in urban areas and isolated river flooding are possible.
Coastal areas of Mexico’s Bay of Campeche could receive 2 to 4 inches of rain through Thursday, with locally higher amounts. Gusty winds are also possible across parts of the Yucatan Peninsula Thursday.
Waves generated by Isaias are expected to reach the western and northern Yucatan Peninsula beginning Thursday and spread toward the U.S. Gulf Coast late this week. These conditions could create life-threatening surf and rip currents.
The storm’s exact landfall location and strength remain uncertain. Residents along the northern Gulf Coast should review their hurricane plans and follow updates from the National Hurricane Center and local weather offices.
