Isaias Could Reach Category 3 Before Gulf Landfall

Hurricane Isaias was moving toward the northern Gulf Coast on Friday, with forecasters expecting it to strengthen from Category 2 to Category 3 before landfall near the Pensacola–Mobile area late Friday or early Saturday. Officials warned of dangerous storm surge, damaging winds, flooding rain and isolated tornadoes, with the greatest impacts expected across northwest Florida, southwest Alabama and southeast Mississippi. Florida expanded its state of emergency to 27 counties, and residents in the storm’s path were urged to complete preparations and plan for possible power outages. Northeast Florida and southeast Georgia were also forecast to see rain and thunderstorms, coastal and river flooding concerns, and a risk of isolated severe storms or a brief tornado.