Hurricane Isaias Heads for US Gulf Coast, With Landfall Expected Friday Night

Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, is intensifying as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast of the United States. Forecasts indicate it will make landfall on Friday night. The storm could bring dangerous winds, storm surge (a rapid rise in sea level driven by the storm) and heavy rain to parts of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Isaias also stands out for its timing: it ties the record for the latest first hurricane of an Atlantic season. The previous record was set in 1905.

What the forecaster says

The storm's development and expected impact are explained by BBC Weather presenter Chris Fawkes. His analysis is available in a BBC video report that looks at the hurricane's track and the risks it poses to coastal areas.

Areas at risk

The warnings concern US states along the Gulf of Mexico. Three main hazards are expected in the region: strong winds, storm surge and intense rainfall. The source gives no further detail on the storm's current strength, evacuation measures or specific cities at risk.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts several months, and each season is counted from its first named storm to its end. This time the first hurricane has formed unusually late, but that does not guarantee a milder impact on the coast. Residents of the affected areas are advised to follow official warnings and the guidance of local authorities.