New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- Tropical Storm Isaias has formed over the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to strengthen rapidly in the coming days, potentially reaching significant hurricane strength. AccuWeather expects Isaias to become a hurricane over the central Gulf before making landfall along the US Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday, with the storm likely to reach Category 2 strength and possibly intensify briefly to Category 3.

AccuWeather Hurricane Experts said Isaias is likely to become the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, potentially making it the latest first hurricane to form in the Atlantic basin in more than 100 years.

The storm is forecast to bring a combination of storm surge, heavy rainfall and damaging winds to...