Florida has declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Isaias moves through the Gulf of Mexico and forecasters warn the system could rapidly intensify into a dangerous hurricane before reaching the U.S. Gulf Coast.
As of Wednesday morning, Isaias was located about 285 miles west of Progreso, Mexico, and roughly 580 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River.
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving east-northeast at about 8 mph.
Forecasters expect Isaias to strengthen significantly over the next couple of days.
If that happens, the storm could become the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season.
The National Hurricane Center said some weakening is possible as the storm approaches the Gulf Coast because of increasing vertical wind shear.
Even so, forecasters warned Isaias could still be a dangerous hurricane when it reaches land.
“Although not seen in the forecast, some weakening seems likely when the storm nears the Gulf Coast due to an increase in vertical wind shear, but it is still expected to be a dangerous hurricane when it makes landfall,” the National Hurricane Center said.
Current projections place the greatest threat of landfall somewhere along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday.
Areas stretching from eastern Louisiana through the Florida Panhandle are being urged to keep a close eye on the storm.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 25 counties across the Panhandle and Big Bend.
“Floridians should take this time to get disaster plans in place and ensure their hurricane supply kit is stocked,” DeSantis said.
The emergency declaration allows state officials to begin moving resources into place before weather conditions worsen.
Florida emergency officials are positioning generators, fuel, flood barriers, bottled water, shelf-stable meals, sandbags and other supplies ahead of possible impacts.
Residents across parts of the Gulf Coast could face several hazards even outside the storm’s eventual landfall point.
Heavy rain, damaging winds, coastal flooding and isolated tornadoes are all possible.
Forecasts call for three to six inches of rain across portions of the northern Gulf Coast.
Some locations could receive as much as 10 inches.
The most serious storm surge and wind damage is expected near and just east of wherever the center of Isaias eventually comes ashore.
If the storm strengthens as projected, hurricane-force conditions could develop before landfall.
A much broader area of the Southeast could experience tropical storm-force winds.
Forecasters are also warning about the possibility of severe thunderstorms.
AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said tornadoes and waterspouts could become another major threat.
“Another hazard from the storm will be the risk of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes and waterspouts,” Rayno said.
“The bulk of the severe weather is likely near and east of the center, but that risk can extend for hundreds of miles to the east this weekend.”
Isaias is drawing added attention because of the quiet Atlantic hurricane season so far, according to Trending Politics.
The 2026 season has yet to produce a hurricane.
Meteorologist Matt Devitt said Isaias could become one of the most significant storms of the season if current projections hold.
“Isaias will likely be one of the most significant storms of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season with a landfall in the US,” he said.
The National Hurricane Center said hurricane watches could soon be issued for portions of the northern Gulf Coast as the system moves closer.
Officials are urging residents not to wait for the exact track to become certain before preparing.
With the storm expected to strengthen quickly, areas from Louisiana to Florida could have only a limited amount of time to get ready before conditions begin deteriorating.
