Hurricane Isaias strengthened into a Category 2 storm Thursday as it moved toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, according to national weather reporting and the National Hurricane Center’s advisory archive.
AP reported that the storm had sustained winds of about 100 mph and was expected to approach parts of the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and Mississippi late Friday or early Saturday. Officials in affected areas have been preparing for storm surge, flooding, strong winds and possible tornadoes.
The storm has also affected energy operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Reuters-connected reporting and energy-sector updates said some offshore oil and gas producers reduced operations or moved workers as Isaias approached the region.
For readers in Oregon and Washington, Isaias is not a local weather threat. Its national importance is tied to public safety along the Gulf Coast, travel disruptions and possible effects on offshore energy production.
Residents in affected areas should follow local emergency officials and the National Hurricane Center for the latest instructions.
