SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) — Isaias has strengthened into the first hurricane of the 2026 hurricane season and is expected to approach the coast of South Mississippi, Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle Friday night.
While the latest forecast track has shifted slightly east, South Mississippi is not completely out of the woods.
Tropical Storm and Hurricane Alerts
Hurricane warnings are now posted for coastal Jackson County. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for Hancock, Harrison, and inland Jackson counties through Saturday morning.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for George county through Saturday morning.
These warnings mean that tropical storm force (39-37 mph) and hurricane force (74+mph) winds are possible in 48 hours or less.
These winds may result in power outages and tree damage.
Storm Surge Alerts
Storm Surge Warnings are in effect for coastal Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties through Saturday morning.
Rainfall impacts
Isaias will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S. Gulf Coast and much of the Southeast Friday into the weekend.
Highest rainfall totals will be along and east of where the center tracks.
Timing
Isaias is expected to make landfall somewhere between the Alabama/Mississippi state line and the western Florida panhandle.
The official forecast track from the National Hurricane Center tracks Isaias into Alabama/Florida.
However, if the track were to move up the left side of the forecast cone, along the MS/AL state line, that would bring a more significant wind threat to Jackson County. This is why the Hurricane Warning is in effect.
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