Isaias Strengthens Into Category 3 Hurricane

Isaias rapidly intensified into a major Category 3 hurricane as it moved toward the Gulf Coast, with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph. Officials declared emergencies and issued evacuations and warnings across parts of Florida, Alabama and nearby states. The storm became the Atlantic season’s first hurricane unusually late, after El Niño wind shear had helped suppress storms. Very warm Gulf water then helped Isaias strengthen quickly. Officials urged residents to finish preparations and obey evacuation orders. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned that outages, flooding and tornadoes could reach beyond the coast. Forecasters expected landfall late Friday or early Saturday near the Alabama-Florida line, then dangerous inland conditions through the weekend.