NHC: Tropical Storm Isaias forms in the Gulf, expected to strengthen into hurricane

Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the southwestern Gulf, according to the National Hurricane Center.The storm is expected to strengthen and become a hurricane by Thursday.Isaias has sustained winds of 40 mph and is located just off the eastern coast of Mexico.First hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season?Isaias is expected to rapidly intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by Thursday, becoming the first hurricane of the Atlantic season.The storm is expected to strengthen into a Category 2 as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast on Friday.Storm surge and tornadoes will be possible along and just east of its track Friday night and Saturday, including our Florida Panhandle.Isaias is the ninth named storm of the season.Could Isaias impact Florida?The storm is not expected to have a direct impact on Central Florida beyond bringing higher rain chances.