Isaias has rapidly intensified into the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, putting communities along the northern U.S. Gulf Coast on alert for dangerous storm surge, damaging winds and flooding rain.

The storm is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday, threatening parts of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Further strengthening is forecast before it reaches the coast.

Hurricane and storm surge warnings have been issued for portions of the northern Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center said Isaias is expected to remain a strong hurricane as it approaches land Friday night.

Forecasters expect the system to turn toward the northeast and then north as it moves across the Gulf. Tropical storm conditions could begin along parts of the coast Friday, ahead of the hurricane’s arrival, making outdoor preparations increasingly difficult.

The threat also extends inland. Heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding across the Gulf Coast and southeastern United States through the weekend, with flooding possible as far north as Tennessee.

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in some Florida communities, several school districts have announced closures, and the governors of Florida and Alabama have declared states of emergency as preparations continue.

The approaching hurricane has also disrupted offshore energy operations. Companies including Shell and Chevron have evacuated personnel and reduced activity at Gulf platforms. About a quarter of offshore oil production had been shut down Wednesday as operators prepared for the storm.

Residents in threatened areas are being urged to monitor updated forecasts and follow local emergency instructions. The National Hurricane Center warned that storm surge could push seawater inland, creating life-threatening flooding in coastal communities.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Isaias Becomes Season’s First Atlantic Hurricane as U.S. Gulf Coast Braces for Landfall.