Tropical Storm Isaias Could Rapidly Strengthen Before Gulf Coast Landfall

Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to rapidly strengthen into a dangerous hurricane as it moves towards the northern Gulf Coast, with landfall forecast by the weekend.

The storm currently has sustained winds of 65 mph and is located about 500 miles southwest of far southeastern Louisiana.

Forecasters expect Isaias to continue moving east for about another day before making a sharp turn towards the northern Gulf Coast. During that period, the storm is forecast to intensify rapidly and could become the first hurricane of the Atlantic season.

Rapid intensification occurs when a tropical storm or hurricane experiences an increase in maximum sustained winds of at least 35 mph within a 24-hour period or less.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring Isaias because conditions over the Gulf of Mexico could support significant strengthening before the storm reaches the coast.

Scientists have also linked the increasing ability of some hurricanes to intensify rapidly to rising ocean temperatures associated with human-driven climate change. Warmer ocean waters can provide tropical systems with additional energy, potentially allowing storms to strengthen more quickly when other atmospheric conditions are favourable.

The exact strength and track of Isaias at landfall remain subject to change as the storm develops and moves across the Gulf.

Residents along the northern Gulf Coast are being advised to closely monitor updated forecasts as forecasters assess how quickly the storm strengthens and where its eventual landfall could occur.

Further changes in the storm’s path or intensity could affect the level of risk faced by coastal communities as Isaias approaches the United States.

Source: CNN