What to expect as Hurricane Isaias bears down on the Gulf Coast as a major storm
Hurricane Isaias has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane as it heads toward the Gulf Coast. Residents are rushing to prepare for the storm, which is packing winds up to 120 mph and is expected to make landfall Friday night. Amna Nawaz speaks with Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, for more.
Hurricane Isaias has intensified to a Category 3 storm, with winds reaching up to 120 mph, as it approaches the Gulf Coast. Residents are preparing for the storm, which is expected to make landfall Friday night. States of emergency have been declared in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, warning of potential storm surges and heavy rainfall.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has urged residents to prepare for hazardous conditions. The National Hurricane Center's director, Michael Brennan, provides an update on the storm's path, noting that it is expected to make landfall in the next few hours. The hurricane is currently a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, but it may experience some weakening before making landfall.
However, the impacts of rain, storm surge, and wind damage are already significant. Brennan emphasizes that inland areas should also be concerned, as the storm could bring strong winds and power outages deep into Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. People are advised to stay in a safe location and ride out the storm, rather than attempting to evacuate.
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