Tropical Storm Isaias formed in the waters off eastern Mexico and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane. Forecasters predict it will become the first hurricane of the Atlantic season before hitting the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week.
The storm is on track to potentially tie or break a 121-year-old record for the latest-forming initial hurricane of the Atlantic season. A hurricane watch has been issued for the northern Gulf Coast from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle, indicating hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.
Isaias was centered northwest of Progreso, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and moving east-northeast. Forecasters predict it will become a hurricane by Thursday as it turns northward, with landfall expected late Friday or early Saturday. Residents are advised to prepare for dangerous wind, storm surge, and heavy rain.
Source: Mongabay