Hurricane Tracker Shows Isaias Forecast to Hit US Gulf Coast After Strengthening
The hurricane tracker shows Tropical Storm Isaias formed off eastern Mexico and is forecast to strengthen into the first Atlantic hurricane of the season before striking the US Gulf Coast, prompting Hurricane Watches for portions of coastal Alabama and northwest Florida.
Isaias Forms and Strengthens
Tropical Storm Isaias formed early Wednesday in the warm waters off eastern Mexico and forecasters said it was expected to strengthen into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season before hitting the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week. [3] Tropical Storm Isaias formed early Wednesday in the warm waters off eastern Mexico and forecasters said it was expected to strengthen into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season before hitting the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week. [3] Tropical Storm Isaias formed early Wednesday in the warm waters off eastern Mexico and forecasters said it was expected to strengthen into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season before hitting the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week. [3]
Hurricane Watch Details for Florida and Alabama Coasts
Hurricane Watch is in effect for coastal waters from Pensacola FL to Pascagoula MS out 20 NM. [1] For the Hurricane Watch, winds 50 to 70 kt with gusts up to 100 kt and seas 28 to 33 ft are expected. [1] Hurricane Watch is also in effect for North Mobile Bay. [2] Northeast winds 50 to 70 kt with gusts up to 95 kt and seas 3 to 7 ft are forecast for North Mobile Bay. [2] The Hurricane Watch covers portions of the coastal waters of Alabama and northwest Florida. [2] For the Small Craft Advisory, northeast winds 25 to 35 kt and seas 4 to 7 ft are noted in the same coastal waters from Pensacola FL to Pascagoula MS out 20 NM. [1]
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Timing of Tropical Storm and Hurricane Force Winds
Tropical Storm force winds are possible from early Friday morning until early Saturday morning. [2] Hurricane force winds are possible from Friday afternoon until early Saturday morning. [2] The timing applies to the areas under Hurricane Watch in coastal waters of Alabama and northwest Florida. [2]
Potential Impacts on Vessels and Visibility
Hurricane force winds and hazardous seas can capsize or damage vessels and severely reduce visibility. [2] Seas 28 to 33 ft are expected under the Hurricane Watch for coastal waters from Pensacola FL to Pascagoula MS out 20 NM. [1] These conditions apply to the coastal waters from Pensacola FL to Pascagoula MS out 20 NM as well as waters from 20 to 60 NM offshore. [1]
Ongoing Flood Warnings in Florida
A Flood Warning is in effect for the St. Mary's River at Macclenny affecting Baker, Nassau and Charlton Counties. [4] Minor flooding is forecast for the St. Mary's River at Macclenny from late tonight to Thursday afternoon. [4] A separate Flood Warning continues for the Withlacoochee River at US 41 Dunnellon affecting Levy, Citrus and Marion Counties. [5] Elevated water levels continue on the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon due to excessive hydrilla growth along a 4.5 mile stretch of river between U.S. 41 and Lake Rousseau. [5] The hydrilla has been acting like a dam and holding water back, keeping levels elevated. [5] Water levels are expected to remain steady or gradually rise as rainfall occurs in the area. [5]
Hurricane Tracker Resources
Additional information on the storm and related warnings is available through the National Weather Service alerts for the affected coastal waters and rivers. [1] [2] [4] The next statement for the St. Mary's River at Macclenny will be issued Thursday morning at 1145 AM EDT. [4] The hurricane tracker can be followed via the listed National Weather Service sources covering the Gulf Coast approach. [1] [2] [4]
What to watch next: Additional statements will be issued as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week with the listed watches and warnings remaining in effect.
