Hurricane Isaias Accelerates Toward Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaias, the Atlantic season’s first storm, is gathering strength as it races toward the northern Gulf Coast. Meteorologists forecast a landfall Friday night, bringing dangerous winds, storm surge, and heavy rain to Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Isaias also ties the record for the latest first hurricane of an Atlantic season, a milestone last seen in 1905. According to BBC Weather’s Chris Fawkes, residents in the affected areas should prepare for possible power outages and flooding.

Local authorities are already mobilizing emergency crews and advising residents to secure outdoor items and to follow evacuation orders if issued.