A rare late-season Atlantic hurricane, Isaias, has formed as the first of the 2026 season, defying the typically quiet conditions brought by a strong El Niño. With winds already reaching 80 mph and expected to intensify to a category 2 storm before hitting the northern Gulf coast, authorities warn of flash flooding and localized river flooding. Meteorologists note this is the latest first hurricane on record since before satellite tracking began in the 1960s, highlighting an unusual shift in storm patterns. The storm’s approach follows an otherwise subdued season, raising questions about the evolving behavior of Atlantic hurricanes.
Storm expected to make landfall on US’s northern Gulf coast with risk of flash floods and isolated river floodingIsaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, with wind speeds of 80mph and a minimum pressure of 975mb. It is expected to strengthen to a category 2 hurricane as it approaches the US’s northern Gulf coast on Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).As a result of the strong El Niño, it has been a notably quiet Atlantic hurricane season. The first hurricane of the season has not formed this late since 8 October 1905, which pre-dates the satellite era (1960s) for tracking hurricanes that has allowed for more non-landfall hurricanes to be discovered. Continue reading...
