Isaias, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, has strengthened into a major category three storm and is expected to hit the US Gulf Coast on Friday into Saturday, according to the BBC.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- Isaias is the first Atlantic hurricane of the season.
- The storm has strengthened into a major category three hurricane.
- Landfall is expected on the US Gulf Coast on Friday into Saturday.
- El Niño has contributed to a quiet season so far, according to the BBC.
Hurricane Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, has strengthened into a major category three storm as it approaches the US Gulf Coast, according to the BBC.
The BBC reported that the storm continued to intensify through Friday, reaching category three ‘major’ hurricane status. Earlier forecasts had indicated Isaias was expected to strengthen to that level before coming ashore.
Landfall is expected later on Friday into Saturday across the US Gulf Coast, the BBC said.
According to the BBC, the Atlantic season had been quiet so far this year, a situation attributed to the influence of El Niño. Isaias represents the first hurricane to form in the Atlantic during the current season.
A category three hurricane is classified as a ‘major’ storm, a designation the BBC applied to Isaias as it approached the coast.
Why it matters
A major category three hurricane can bring dangerous winds, storm surge and flooding to coastal communities. As the first Atlantic hurricane of an otherwise quiet season, Isaias is a reminder that a single powerful storm can pose significant risks to the Gulf Coast.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hurricane Isaias expected to make landfall?
According to the BBC, Isaias is forecast to make landfall later on Friday into Saturday across the US Gulf Coast.
How strong is Hurricane Isaias?
The BBC reports that Isaias has strengthened into a major category three storm.
Why has the Atlantic hurricane season been quiet so far?
The BBC attributes the quiet season so far to the influence of El Niño. Isaias is the first Atlantic hurricane of the year.
Timeline
- Isaias weakens to Category 1 hurricane after Florida landfall, NHC says
CNBC Top News:
- Isaias becomes major category three storm before landfall
BBC Science: Isaias, the first hurricane of the Atlantic season has been continuing to strengthen and is now a category three 'major' hurricane.
- Hurricane Isaias strengthens to a major category three storm
BBC Science: El Niño has led to a quiet season so far but the first Atlantic hurricane of the year is set to make landfall later on Friday into Saturday across the US Gulf Coast.
- Hurricane Isaias forecast to strengthen to category three before landfall in US
BBC Science: El Niño has led to a quiet season so far but the first Atlantic hurricane of the year is set to make landfall later on Friday into Saturday across the US Gulf Coast.