The first Atlantic hurricane of the season has finally arrived. Tropical Storm Isaias strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane late Wednesday and is now spinning toward the U.S. Gulf Coast as millions prepare for life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flash flooding.

As of 8 a.m. ET Thursday morning, Isaias was located in the central Gulf and tracking east-northeast at 9 miles per hour (14 kilometers per hour), according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters expect the storm to make a northeastward turn and gather strength as it heads toward the U.S., though it could weaken just before reaching the Gulf Coast. Still, Isaias is likely to remain a “dangerous hurricane” when it makes landfall somewhere between the coast of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

The National Weather Service has issued hurricane warnings from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, across Alabama and the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida. According to the NHC, residents in these areas should prepare for the possibility of long-lasting power outages. A storm surge warning is also in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Steinhatchee, Florida, and flash and urban flooding—along with isolated river flooding—will be possible across much of the Southeast.

5 to 2 meters) of storm surge to hammer the coastline between Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Indian Pass, Florida. 5 meters) in coastal communities as far west as Morgan City, Louisiana, and as far east as Egmont Key, Florida.

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