Tropical Storm Isaias started early on Wednesday over the warm waters off eastern Mexico, and forecasters say it is likely to grow into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season before it reaches the United States. For now, the storm is small and not very strong, with maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph (65 kph). It is moving east-northeast at roughly 8 mph (13 kph), and the National Hurricane Center in Miami says it is about 285 miles (460 kilometers) west of Progreso, Mexico.
Even though the storm is still weak, the people who watch these systems for a living are not taking chances. The hurricane center says the risk of dangerous winds and storm surge is going up along the northern Gulf Coast. Its early forecast shows the storm coming ashore somewhere between eastern Louisiana and the western Florida Panhandle, but the exact spot is still not clear. Because of this, families in those areas are being told to keep checking the latest updates and to make sure their hurricane plans are ready.
Those who live near the coast know how fast things can change. A storm that looks harmless on Wednesday can become dangerous by the weekend, especially when the sea starts pushing water onto land. Officials are asking people to fill their water containers, charge their phones, and keep important documents in a safe, dry place. Those living in low-lying areas or near rivers should pay the most attention, since flooding is often the biggest danger when a storm arrives.
The rain is also expected to be a big problem. Isaias is forecast to bring heavy rain to parts of the Gulf Coast and much of the southeastern United States starting Friday and continuing into the weekend. Too much rain in a short time can cause flash floods, block roads, and make it hard for people to move around safely.
What makes this storm interesting is the season around it. The Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet this year, mainly because of a strong El Niño, a warming of the Pacific Ocean that tends to stop storms from forming over the Atlantic. The Pacific side, on the other hand, has been more active than usual. Isaias is one of the few strong systems to show up in the Atlantic so far, which is why meteorologists are watching it closely.
The National Hurricane Center updates its storm tracker about every three hours, so anyone following the story can check for new projections. Residents in the storm's possible path should not wait until the last minute. Preparing early gives people more time to protect their homes, their families, and their livelihoods.
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