MIAMI, Fla. — Hurricane Isaias continues to strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico as forecasters warn residents along the northern Gulf Coast to complete storm preparations before conditions deteriorate.
As of Thursday morning, Isaias was producing sustained winds of 80 mph and is expected to remain a dangerous hurricane as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm was located about 385 miles south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving east-northeast at 9 mph.
Forecasters expect Isaias to turn northeast later Thursday and then north on Friday. The current forecast track brings the storm toward the northern Gulf Coast, with landfall possible late Friday or early Saturday.
Hurricane warnings remain in effect from coastal Mississippi eastward into Florida's Panhandle, while storm surge warnings extend from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Florida's Big Bend region. Tropical storm warnings also cover portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
The biggest threats are expected to be storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Coastal communities near and east of the eventual landfall location could experience significant flooding from storm surge, with water levels potentially rising several feet above normally dry ground. Large, dangerous waves are also expected along the affected coastline.
Rainfall totals of 3 to 7 inches are forecast across portions of the central Gulf Coast from Friday through the weekend, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches. The heavy rain could lead to flash flooding in vulnerable locations.
Emergency officials along the Gulf Coast are urging residents in vulnerable areas to finish storm preparations and follow any evacuation orders that may be issued.