A tropical storm that just formed along the Gulf Coast is expected to pick up steam and transform into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season.
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Weather forecasters are warning that Tropical Storm Isaias, which formed earlier today (Oct. 7) in warm waters off eastern Mexico, will quickly become a hurricane, hitting the U.S. Gulf Coast by Friday.
Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, believes Tropical Storm Isaias could become a Category 3 hurricane, reaching winds of 111 mph or greater.
"We're expecting multiple dangerous, life-threatening impacts along portions of the northern Gulf Coast beginning Friday and continuing into the weekend," Brennan explained in a video briefing, per The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, communities along the Gulf Coast are bracing for the likely hurricane. The Governor of Florida has already declared a state of emergency, and many Gulf oil wells have stopped production, according to the AP.
The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, set to kick off on Thursday, was also canceled due to the potential hurricane. The popular event draws up to 325,000 people to the area.
Experts Urge Those in the Potential Hurricane's Path to Take Precautions
People along the potential hurricane's path are also being urged to take precautions.
"There is an increasing risk of dangerous wind and storm surge impacts along portions of the northern Gulf Coast," the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said, per The New York Post. "Residents from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle should closely monitor the latest forecast updates. [They should] ensure they have their hurricane plan in place."
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves also advised residents to check on elderly neighbors or those who may need extra help. However, he pointed out it was no time for hysteria.
"Obviously, no need to panic at this point," Reeves explained at a news conference earlier today, per the AP. "This is really about preparation."
A powerful 2026 El Niño disrupted storm formation over the ocean, which led to a quiet Atlantic storm season. The weather phenomenon was unusual. The AP pointed out that the 1905 record for the start of the season was set when the first Atlantic hurricane formed on Oct. 8 that year.
It seems that with Tropical Storm Isaias gathering strength, that record might hold.
