Isaias strengthened into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season late Wednesday, churning toward the U.S. Gulf Coast with forecasts predicting heavy rains and potential flash flooding.
The storm was about 460 miles south-southwest of the Mississippi River with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. It was moving east-northeast at 9 mph and was expected to make landfall between the Mississippi coast and the Florida Panhandle late Friday or early Saturday.
Late-Season Storm Develops
Isaias's development more than four months into the Atlantic hurricane season is approaching a 121-year-old record for the latest-forming hurricane, which occurred on Oct. 8, 1905. The Atlantic season has been unusually quiet due to a strong El Niño, while the Pacific has experienced above-average storm activity.
Communities in the storm's potential path began preparing as Isaias strengthened from a tropical storm in warm waters off eastern Mexico. Oil and gas producers shut down a significant portion of offshore production in the Gulf of Mexico, which accounts for nearly 15% of the U.S. annual crude output. As of Wednesday, about 25% of the region's oil production, or approximately 511,000 barrels per day, was temporarily halted. Eight of the Gulf's 371 manned oil platforms had been evacuated.
Preparations Underway Along the Coast
Governors in Florida and Alabama declared states of emergency for dozens of counties. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the state's emergency management plan for 25 counties in the Panhandle and Big Bend regions, allowing for the deployment of disaster responders and equipment. A Miami-based urban search and rescue task force was also planned for deployment.
In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency for 40 counties. Coastal communities like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach encouraged voluntary evacuations for residents in low-lying areas. The National Shrimp Festival, scheduled to begin Thursday in Gulf Shores, was canceled.
In Pensacola, Florida, electric utilities were pre-positioning crews for rapid power outage repairs, and city officials provided sand for residents to fill sandbags. Mayor D.C. Reeves advised citizens to check on elderly neighbors and others who might need assistance, emphasizing preparation over panic.