Hurricane Isaias Strengthens to 110 mph, Nearing Gulf Coast Landfall

*Developing story — Updated 10:00 UTC*

Hurricane Isaias has strengthened into a 110-mph Category 2 hurricane and is racing toward the northern Gulf Coast, where it is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said in its 4 a.m. CDT advisory. The hurricane center added that Isaias is likely to become a major hurricane this morning, and the 5 a.m. ET advisory forecasts it to reach major Category 3 strength with winds near 120 mph later today, according to FOX Weather.

The storm was centered about 200 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River at 4 a.m., moving north-northeast at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and a minimum central pressure of 963 millibars. "Preparations should be rushed to completion as the weather will go downhill quickly today," the hurricane center said.

Warnings stretch across the northern Gulf

A hurricane warning is in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida, meaning hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. A storm surge warning covers the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River in Florida, where forecasters warn of life-threatening inundation of 5 to 7 feet above normally dry ground in the hardest-hit areas.

Tropical storm warnings extend from the Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to west of Ocean Springs, and east of the Bay/Gulf County line to the Aucilla River in Florida. A storm surge watch is in effect from the Suwannee River to Yankeetown.

Rainfall of 3 to 7 inches is expected across the region, with isolated totals of 10 inches. Tornadoes are also possible as the storm moves ashore. The National Weather Service warned communities from Ocean Springs to Gulf County, Florida, to prepare for the possibility of long-duration power outages.

Evacuations and emergencies

Mandatory evacuations are in effect across Florida's Panhandle. Okaloosa County ordered residents of coastal Zones A and B to leave starting at noon Thursday; Escambia and Santa Rosa counties issued evacuation orders for Zones A and B; Franklin County ordered evacuations for barrier islands, low-lying areas, mobile homes and RV parks; and Walton County ordered evacuations in zones A, B and C. Bay County issued a voluntary evacuation for Zones A and B. Tourists were urged to leave the area, and Okaloosa County planned to close three airports Thursday evening.

In Alabama, Dauphin Island ordered an evacuation of the western part of the barrier island Thursday evening, and Baldwin County encouraged residents of low-lying coastal areas to evacuate voluntarily, with shelters prepared.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 25 counties, and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency covering 40 counties. In Mississippi, Jackson County and the city of Gautier declared local emergencies. At least four Florida school districts canceled classes, according to the Associated Press.

Why it matters

Isaias is the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season and the ninth named storm. It became a hurricane shortly before midnight on October 7, nearly tying the record for the latest-arriving first Atlantic hurricane — a mark set on October 8, 1905. A strong El Niño pattern has suppressed Atlantic development this year by increasing vertical wind shear, which tears apart forming storms.

The storm is already disrupting energy production. About 62.9 percent of daily Gulf of Mexico oil production — roughly 1.28 million barrels per day — was shut in Thursday, along with 57.4 percent of natural gas output, as operators evacuated 121 production platforms, nearly a third of the 371 manned platforms in the Gulf. Shell and Chevron said they were curtailing offshore operations.

What happens next

Forecasters now expect Isaias to become a major hurricane this morning, peaking near 120 mph — Category 3 strength — before increasing wind shear weakens it somewhat near landfall; it is still expected to be a dangerous hurricane when it makes landfall. The projected landfall zone stretches from Mobile, Alabama, to Panama City, Florida, with the Pensacola area near the center of the forecast cone.

"We are expecting Isaias to be a dangerous hurricane when it makes landfall," NHC Director Michael Brennan said Thursday. "Today is the day to prepare and get ready."

Key numbers

• 110 mph: maximum sustained winds (Category 2)
• 120 mph: forecast peak Friday (major Category 3)
• 963 mb: minimum central pressure
• 200 miles: distance south-southeast of the Mississippi River mouth at 4 a.m. CDT
• 5–7 feet: forecast storm surge in the hardest-hit areas
• 3–10 inches: forecast rainfall
• 62.9%: Gulf oil production shut in Thursday