Isaias strengthens to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 season
Hurricane Isaias has strengthened into the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, threatening the US Gulf Coast with high winds and flooding. Officials have issued warnings for residents in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida to prepare for potential evacuations and power outages.
Why it matters
This event marks a historically late start to the hurricane season, highlighting the impact of current climate patterns on extreme weather frequency.
Larry Smith boards up his home with plywood before Hurricane Isaias's expected landfall along the Gulf coast in Dauphin Island, Alabama. Larry Smith boards up his home with plywood before Hurricane Isaias's expected landfall along the Gulf coast in Dauphin Island, Alabama. Weather tracker Hurricanes Isaias strengthens to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 season Storm expected to make landfall on US’s northern Gulf coast with risk of flash floods and isolated river flooding
Prefer the Guardian on Google Isaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, with wind speeds of 80mph and a minimum pressure of 975mb. It is expected to strengthen further into a category 2 hurricane before approaching the US’s northern Gulf coast on Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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Hurricane Isaias is expected to get stronger on its way to Florida, Alabama and Mississippi coasts - AP News
Isaias strengthens into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season
Tropical Storm Isaias Set to Be First Atlantic Hurricane of 2026 Season
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