Hurricane Isaias live updates: Gulf coast braces for category 3 storm to make landfall

Florida panhandle directly in Isaias’ path as officials warn of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds in parts of Florida, Mississippi and Alabama

Key events21m agoGulf coast braces for category 3 Hurricane Isaias to make landfall0:58Gulf coast residents prepare ahead of Hurricane Isaias landfall – videoFrom 21m agoWelcome to our live coverage of Hurricane Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, which picked up power Friday morning as it turned northwards through the Gulf of Mexico.

Isaias is expected to make landfall Friday evening or early Saturday somewhere along the northern Gulf coast.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is warning of life-threatening storm surge, damaging hurricane-force winds, and flooding in parts of Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Emergency declarations have been issued in all three states.

The storm strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane overnight, with sustained winds in excess of 111mph (178kph). The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Friday morning it was no longer confident that upper-level wind shear will arrive in time to weaken Isaias before landfall.

I’m Richard Luscombe in Miami, and I’ll bring you developments as they happen. Meanwhile, here’s our latest news story as coastal Gulf residents prepare for impact.

Read moreKey events21m agoGulf coast braces for category 3 Hurricane Isaias to make landfallThe 11am ET update on Hurricane Isaias from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami brought unwelcome news in that predicted wind shear that had been expected to weaken the storm ahead of landfall might not materialize in time.

Isaias is currently churning in the northern Gulf of Mexico as a major category 3 hurricane with sustained wind speeds above 111mph (178kph). According to the NHC, it could still be one as it comes ashore.

A series of regional models, NHC hurricane specialist Robbie Berg wrote in the latest advisory, “all suggest that Isaias could maintain major hurricane intensity up until its landfall this evening.

“Weakening will occur after landfall, but sustained hurricane-force winds will likely occur near and along Isaias’s track up to 100 miles inland from the coast into southern Alabama, and gusts to hurricane force could extend even farther north into central Alabama.”

The Saffir-Simpson scale that grades tropical cyclones characterizes a category 3 hurricane as one in which: “Devastating damage will occur. Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends.

“Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.”

Forecasters at AccuWeather are equally cautious.

“Isaias is in a race against the clock,” its expert meteorologist Tyler Roys said in a statement.

“Strong winds high in the atmosphere are expected to disrupt the hurricane before landfall, but if those winds arrive even a few hours later than expected, Isais could maintain its Category 3 strength.

“Regardless of whether it makes landfall as a Category 2 hurricane or Category 3 hurricane, communities along the Gulf Coast face a serious threat from life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and flooding.”

Welcome to our live coverage of Hurricane Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, which picked up power Friday morning as it turned northwards through the Gulf of Mexico.

Isaias is expected to make landfall Friday evening or early Saturday somewhere along the northern Gulf coast.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is warning of life-threatening storm surge, damaging hurricane-force winds, and flooding in parts of Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Emergency declarations have been issued in all three states.

The storm strengthened into a major Category 3 hurricane overnight, with sustained winds in excess of 111mph (178kph). The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Friday morning it was no longer confident that upper-level wind shear will arrive in time to weaken Isaias before landfall.

I’m Richard Luscombe in Miami, and I’ll bring you developments as they happen. Meanwhile, here’s our latest news story as coastal Gulf residents prepare for impact.