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Newest Models Track Development of Isaias
Forecasters said warm Gulf waters and favorable winds could push Isaias to 110 mph, with hurricane conditions possible late Friday.
On Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center issued Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches for the northern Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Isaias strengthens, with forecasters expecting Category 2 hurricane status with 110 mph winds by Friday.
Currently about 540 miles south of the Mississippi River with sustained winds of 45 mph, Tropical Storm Isaias is becoming better organized as models suggest landfall near the Alabama-Florida border, with dangerous weather extending well away from the center.
Forecasters predict 5 to 7 feet of storm surge in Mobile Bay and from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Indian Pass, Florida, while a 60% to 75% chance of wind gusts exceeding 30 mph exists for Saturday.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties to increase disaster response flexibility, while Alabama residents face hurricane-force wind risks and Alabama Athletics monitors the forecast for Saturday's game.
Significant uncertainty remains regarding Isaias's exact path and inland speed, and flooding, downed trees, and power outages could persist even after the storm's center passes, requiring continued vigilance across the region.