Isaias expected to become hurricane before hitting U.S. Gulf Coast, forecasters say

The Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually calm, which may soon change with the emergence of tropical storm Isaias. Meteorologists predict that Isaias could intensify into a hurricane by Thursday, making it the latest forming first Atlantic hurricane on record. Currently, Isaias is located approximately 260 miles off the coast of Progreso, Mexico, and is expected to move towards the U.S. Gulf Coast, including areas in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

The storm is currently generating winds up to 45 miles per hour, while a hurricane requires winds to reach at least 74 mph. If Isaias reaches land as forecasted, it could bring strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and potentially dangerous storm surge, warns Jennifer Tate, a meteorologist at NOAA's Weather Prediction Center. This year's hurricane season has been relatively inactive, with no hurricanes forming all season, a phenomenon partly attributed to the presence of El Niño, which typically leads to higher wind shear and disrupts hurricane formation in the Atlantic.

In contrast, the Pacific has seen an uptick in hurricane activity, particularly threatening Hawaii. For those in the Gulf Coast region, staying informed about ongoing hurricane forecasts, preparing for potential power outages, and heeding any local evacuation orders are advised. Supporting accurate and comprehensive science journalism is crucial, and readers are encouraged to subscribe to Scientific American to help sustain impactful and trustworthy reporting in the realm of scientific discoveries and ideas.