Hurricane Isaias strengthened overnight and is nearing major hurricane status. As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center has the storm at 110 mph maximum sustained winds with a pressure of 963 millibars, and the forecast calls for winds to reach 120 mph, a Category 3, later today. Isaias is moving north-northeast at 15 mph toward the northern Gulf Coast, with landfall expected tonight or early Saturday. A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida.
The biggest threats are concentrated well north and west of us. Life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 7 feet is possible from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Indian Pass, Florida. Rainfall of 4 to 8 inches is forecast across the region, with isolated totals up to 15 inches, and forecasters warn of possible tornadoes as the storm moves inland. One thing to watch: stronger upper-level winds could weaken Isaias before landfall, but a short delay in that weakening would send a stronger hurricane ashore.
For Sarasota, Bradenton and the rest of the Suncoast, the impacts will be much more modest. Expect a tidal increase of about a foot, rough Gulf waters and dangerous rip currents. That’s not an evacuation situation for us, but it is a good weekend to stay out of the surf and a smart time to double-check your own hurricane kit. If you have family or friends in the Panhandle or along the Mississippi and Alabama coast, today is the day to check on them.
How do you usually prepare when a storm heads for the Gulf? Share your best hurricane-season tips in the comments.
