Hurricane Isaias getting stronger as it threatens northern Gulf Coast. See maps, forecast path.

Updated on: October 9, 2026 / 6:49 AM EDT / CBS News

Hurricane Isaias, the first of the 2026 Atlantic season, has been intensifying as it makes its way toward the northern Gulf Coast. It's forecast to reach land tonight or early Saturday, threatening parts of Mississippi, Alabama and the western part of the Florida Panhandle.

"Preparations should be rushed to completion as the weather will go downhill quickly today," the National Hurricane Center said.

Isaias is a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour, but on the verge of becoming a Category 3, which would make it a major hurricane. Its winds only have to increase 1 mph for that to happen, and the hurricane center says that's likely to occur this morning.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast from Ocean Springs, Mississippi to the Bay/Gulf County Line in Florida. Landfall is expected within the warning area, the hurricane center says.

The core of Isaias, pronounced "ees-ah-EE-ahs," was about 200 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River, rushing north-northeast at 24 mph, according to the hurricane center's latest update early Friday. Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 30 miles…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/