Hurricane Isaias is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, with NOAA Hurricane Hunters confirming 80 mph sustained winds and a central pressure of 979 millibars. The National Hurricane Center expects the storm to peak near 110 mph before slight weakening, arriving on the northern Gulf Coast as a dangerous hurricane late Friday or early Saturday. Hurricane Warnings stretch from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida, while Storm Surge Warnings cover the coast from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Steinhatchee, where surge of 5 to 7 feet is possible.
Rainfall of 3 to 7 inches, with isolated totals up to 10, could trigger flash flooding across the region, and isolated tornadoes are possible Friday night in parts of Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and southwestern Georgia. Residents in the warning zone should follow local emergency management guidance on evacuation zones and have supplies ready.
Here on the Suncoast, we are outside all current warnings, but the weekend will not be quiet on the water. As Isaias churns north, it will send swell toward our beaches, raising the risk of dangerous rip currents from Siesta Key down to Venice. That risk often peaks on beautiful, sunny days when the Gulf looks calm. Swim near a lifeguard, respect the flag system, and if you are pulled out, swim parallel to shore until the current releases. If you have family in the Panhandle, today is the day to check in. Are you changing any beach plans because of Isaias?
