Tropical Storm Isaias has formed off the eastern coast of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before striking the U.S. Gulf Coast later this week. The storm is currently about 285 miles west of Progreso, Mexico, and roughly 580 miles southwest of the Mississippi River mouth.
Isaias is moving east‑northeast at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. Meteorologists say the system could rapidly intensify over the next day or two, and projections place its eye between eastern Louisiana and the western Florida Panhandle.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 25 counties. He urged residents to prepare, keep emergency supply kits stocked, and follow @FLSERT for weather updates and preparedness information.
CNN meteorologists project the storm could peak as a Category 2 hurricane with 110 mph winds by Thursday night or early Friday, before making landfall as a dangerous hurricane. Watches for winds of at least 74 mph and life‑threatening coastal flooding are likely for parts of the northern Gulf Coast, and the storm could spawn several tornadoes along the coast. Shell and BP have evacuated non‑essential workers from Gulf facilities ahead of the hurricane’s approach.
