Tropical Storm Isaias is organizing over the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane Thursday, with winds potentially reaching 110 miles per hour by Friday over the warm central Gulf waters. Hurricane Watches are posted from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Indian Pass, Florida, while a Storm Surge Watch extends from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Yankeetown. Storm surge could reach 5 to 7 feet above ground in parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, where rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches, are possible.
For Suncoast residents, the current watches stop well north of us, so Sarasota and Bradenton are not in the direct path. That said, the forecast track has shifted slightly east and remains uncertain, and a storm this size sends energy outward in every direction. Expect rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and higher rain chances along our beaches through the weekend. If you’re heading to Siesta Key, Lido, or any of our local shorelines, swim near a lifeguard and keep an eye on anyone in the water.
Now is also a good time to check on friends and family along the northern Gulf, especially anyone in an evacuation zone. Surge is historically the deadliest part of a landfalling storm, and Friday afternoon leaves little margin for a last-minute decision. Review your own storm supplies while you’re at it, because the season isn’t over. What’s your hurricane plan this year, and have you ever had to use it?
