Former Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened to a hurricane as it moved over the central Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday night. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Isaias was located at latitude 23.7°N and longitude 90.6°W which put the center about 385 miles (620 km) south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River. Isaias was moving toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay County/ Gulf County line in Florida. The Hurricane Warning includes Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Jefferson Parish/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Bay County/Gulf County Line to Aucilla River, Florida.
Former Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened to a hurricane on Wednesday night.
The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Hurricane Isaias. An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Isaias’ circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Isaias’ circulation. Storms near the center of Isaias generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.
The strongest winds were occurring in the rainband that wrapped around the western side of the center of Hurricane Isaias. Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) in the western side of Isaias’ circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Hurricane Isaias.
Hurricane Isaias will move through an environment that will be favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Isaias will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S. The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Isaias’ circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Hurricane Isaias will intensify during the next 24 hours.
Hurricane Isaias will move around the southeastern part of the upper level trough that is over the South Central U.S. The upper level trough will steer Isaias toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Isaias will reach the northern Gulf Coast on Friday night.
Hurricane Isaias will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Gulf Coast. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.
Flood Watches are in effect for parts of southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and Northwest Florida.
Isaias could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along portions of the northern Gulf Coast.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Steinhatchee River, Florida.