Isaias is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane as it nears the US Gulf Coast10/09/2026BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. (AP) — Isaias is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane as it heads toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center says it could make landfall late Friday along the Alabama-Florida line, creating dangerous conditions. The Category 2 storm is packing 110 mph winds and is forecast to reach Category 3 status Friday. It's expected to weaken quickly after making landfall and become a tropical storm by Saturday afternoon. Preparations have been underway for days, with evacuations and states of emergency declared in several areas. The hurricane could bring storm surges, flash flooding, and tornadoes.