ORLANDO, Fla. — Isaias has strengthened into a hurricane overnight as it moves east-northeast across the Gulf, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigating the storm found maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, making Isaias a Category 1 hurricane.
The storm’s minimum pressure has also fallen, another indication that the system is strengthening
NHC said multiple Hurricane Hunter aircraft are investigating Isaias as it moves east-northeastward, with additional strengthening expected on Thursday.
As of early Thursday morning, Isaias was moving east-northeast at about 9 mph.
The latest forecast calls for Isaias to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday.
Hurricane warnings are in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida.
NHC is forecasting significant storm surge along portions of the Gulf Coast.
Surge of 5 to 7 feet is possible from Ocean Springs to Indian Pass, Florida, including Mobile Bay.
Heavy rain and flooding will also be concerns as Isaias approaches the coast and moves inland.
Channel 9 will continue to follow any updates to Hurricane Isaias and provide continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.
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