Gulf Coast braces for Hurricane Isaias, first of the season
Hurricane Isaias is slated to hit the Gulf coast as a Category 2 hurricane on Friday or Saturday, marking the first hurricane of the season.
TL;DR
- Hurricane Isaias is projected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast as a Category 2 storm.
- This marks the first hurricane of the season to hit the United States.
- Governors of Florida and Alabama have declared states of emergency in anticipation of the storm.
- Peak storm surges of up to 7 feet and up to 10 inches of rain are possible in affected coastal areas.
- The storm's impact will extend inland, affecting cities across multiple states, and will also bring heavy rainfall to the northern U.S.
- The previous quiet hurricane season is attributed to a strong El Niño suppressing tropical activity.
- States of emergency empower officials to seek federal aid, utilize public buildings as shelters, and waive certain regulations.