3:10pm CDT Update on Hurricane Isaias - Perhaps Strengthening

3:10pm CDT

The chance for tornadoes east of Pensacola will rise rapidly from

now until this evening. The tornado watch is plotted below. 

12:45pm, Unfortunately, More Bad News

Lightning has developed on the east side of the eye. Plus, a Hurricane Hunter just measured the barometric pressure and it is dropping. Both are signs the storm will remain at current intensity or even strengthen a bit before making landfall this evening. See below for the latest safety recommendations!

1235p Isaias has unexpectedly intensified to a Cat 3 hurricane!

Radar at 11:56am.

Watches and warnings in effect:

W

Color code:

• Red = hurricane warning
• Blue = tropical storm warning 
• Yellow = tropical storm watch
• Brown = hurricane-force winds
• Amber = tropical storm force winds  

There is a tornado watch now in effect. 

Key Messages:

 
1. A life-threatening storm surge is expected from the Mouth of the
Mississippi River to Suwannee, Florida. Residents under evacuation 
orders should leave immediately and follow advice from local 
officials. 
 
2. Extremely dangerous and damaging hurricane force-winds are 
expected over portions of the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, 
and southern Mississippi where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. 
Residents in these areas should have a safe room to ride out the 
storm and prepare for long-duration power outages.
 
3. Damaging wind gusts are likely over a large portion of the 
southeastern United States from western and northern Georgia 
westward over much of central and northern Alabama, southern middle 
Tennessee, and Mississippi, especially in areas of higher terrain.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, avoid driving 
high-profile vehicles, prepare for power outages, and be aware of 
the potential for falling trees.
 
4. Isaias will bring areas of heavy rainfall to the central U.S. 
Gulf coast and much of the Southeast through the weekend. 
Considerable flash and urban flooding, and significant river 
flooding, are possible.

5. The tornado potential will increase this afternoon and continue 
through tonight. The greatest risk will be east of the center, 
particularly across the Florida Panhandle into southern Georgia. 
This risk will continue spreading north-northeast across
parts of the Southeast on Saturday.

The storm surge could reach 9 feet!