Tropical storm Isaias is building momentum in the Gulf and, as of Wednesday evening, strengthened into the first Atlantic hurricane of the season. 

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced the news on Thursday, October 8, at 7 a.m. It explained that Isaias was about 385 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River, with maximum sustained winds at 80 mph.

“Residents from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle should closely monitor the latest forecast updates and ensure they have their hurricane plan in place,” the NHC said.

Currently, the NHC has classified the hurricane as Category 1, but in the central Gulf, it is expected to strengthen to at least a Category 2 hurricane by Thursday night.

The storm is expected to make landfall sometime between late Friday and early Saturday.

Heavy rain is expected to begin in the affected areas on Friday, with potential for flash flooding, dangerous winds, and possible tornadoes. 

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have both declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.

“Floridians should have their plans in place, keep emergency supply kits fully stocked, and follow @FLSERT for weather updates and preparedness information,” DeSantis wrote on X.

Hurricanes can change paths quickly, but at present, the NHC says that the deepest waters are likely “along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.”

The notice continued, “Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.”

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