Storm Isaias Threatens Gulf Coast With Hurricane Strength and Widespread Flooding
New models indicate Tropical Storm Isaias could reach Category 1 strength as it approaches the U.S. coast, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding to multiple states.
Hurricane forecasters are warning that a storm in the Gulf of Mexico, expected to be named Isaias, may reach hurricane strength this week as it nears the U.S. coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts a 90 percent chance of the system becoming a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours.
The storm, currently located south of Texas in the Gulf, is projected by some models to make landfall in the U.S. by Saturday. States in the potential path include Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. One weather prediction model utilizing Google's AI systems estimates a 57 percent chance of Isaias strengthening into at least a Category 1 hurricane, with winds exceeding 75 mph. There is also a possibility, though slim, that it could develop into a major hurricane with winds over 111 mph.
AccuWeather has forecast hurricane-force winds along the U.S. Gulf Coast throughout the weekend. Beyond coastal winds, the storm is expected to bring widespread downpours and flooding to the Gulf and Southeast regions, with Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and the Florida Panhandle identified as areas at highest risk. Heavy rain, damaging winds, and a potential for isolated tornadoes are also anticipated in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and southern Ohio.
As of Tuesday, no hurricanes had formed in the Atlantic this year. Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather's Lead Hurricane Meteorologist, noted that while the odds are not in favor of Isaias becoming a major storm, it is likely to be strong enough to overcome the wind shear that has hindered the development of other storms. DaSilva stated, "We expect this mass of showers and thunderstorms to overcome wind shear and evolve into a tropical depression or storm." He added, "Due to prevailing steering winds, the most likely path would be to the north-northeast toward the U.S. later this week with landfall along the central Gulf Coast this weekend."
Meteorologists predict widespread flooding and heavy downpours throughout the US Southeast this weekend.
Google's AI weather models give Isaias a 57 percent chance of becoming a hurricane.
The gathering storm system is predicted to become a tropical storm and potentially a Category 1 hurricane by the end of the week.
Forecasters warn that several states along the Gulf Coast may experience heavy flooding from the developing tropical cyclone which will be named Isaias (File Image).
