Tropical Depression Nine strengthened into Tropical Storm Isaias early Wednesday and is forecast to rapidly strengthen over the next couple of days, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Isaias is expected to become a hurricane by Thursday and approach the U.S. northern Gulf Coast on Friday.
“Hurricane Watches will likely be required for a portion of the U.S. northern Gulf coast later today,” the National Hurricane Center wrote in its 4 a.m. Wednesday advisory.
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect as of the advisory. The National Hurricane Center said interests along the U.S. northern Gulf Coast should closely monitor the progress of the system.
Where the storm is now
As of 4 a.m. Wednesday, the center of Isaias was located about 580 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River and about 285 miles west of Progreso, Mexico.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center, according to the advisory.
“Rapid strengthening is forecast over the next day or two, and Isaias is expected to become a hurricane by Thursday,” the National Hurricane Center wrote.
Forecast track
Isaias is moving toward the east-northeast near 8 mph. That motion is expected to continue Wednesday, followed by a turn toward the northeast and north on Thursday and Friday, according to the advisory.
On the forecast track, Isaias is expected to pass to the north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday and approach the U.S. northern Gulf Coast on Friday.
Rainfall
From Friday through the weekend, Isaias is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with localized totals up to 10 inches, across the northern U.S. Gulf Coast from far southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“Flash and urban flooding, along with isolated river flooding, will be possible,” the advisory states.
Surf and rip currents
Swells from Isaias are expected to spread northward toward the Gulf Coast late this week, according to the advisory.
“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” the National Hurricane Center wrote.
Sandbags available Wednesday
Okaloosa County will offer sandbags to the public beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at two locations, according to the county:
- 714 Essex Road in Fort Walton Beach
- 1759 S. Ferdon Blvd. in Crestview
The next complete advisory from the National Hurricane Center is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Okaloosa County to offer sandbags as tropical development likely in Gulf
Okaloosa County will offer sandbags at two locations beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m. as a tropical system in the Gulf could bring more heavy rain.
