Tracking Tropical Storm Isaias: Here’s where it could make landfall as 2026’s first hurricane

Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to rapidly strengthen, potentially becoming the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season.As of the latest update, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving east-northeast at about 8 mph. The storm is expected to turn northeast and then north Thursday into Friday, as it makes its approach to the northern Gulf Coast later this week.Intensity ForecastIsaias is moving over very warm Gulf waters with plenty of moisture and relatively light wind shear, creating a favorable environment for strengthening.The National Hurricane Center expects Isaias to become a hurricane by Thursday, with the latest forecast showing the storm could become a significant hurricane before reaching the northern Gulf Coast.Hurricane Hunter aircraft are scheduled to investigate Isaias later today, which will provide more information on the storm’s strength and structure.Record Setting StormIf Isaias becomes a hurricane this we