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National Hurricane Center Predicts Isaias Cat. 2 Gulf Strike

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 2:59 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

NHC predicts Isaias

The National Hurricane Center predicts Isaias will become a hurricane and strike the Gulf Coast Friday night.
Forecasters expect Category 2 strength with up to 110 mph winds at landfall.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey declared an emergency for 40 counties; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared one for 25 counties.
Heavy rain could produce up to 10 inches locally, with storm surge of 2-7 feet possible along the northern Gulf Coast.

Summary

Alabama State Reschedules

Alabama State moved its homecoming game against Florida A&M to Friday, Oct. 9 at 11:05 a.m. because of storm risk.
The SEC said it is monitoring forecasts and communicating with schools about the Alabama-Georgia matchup.
President Donald Trump said he will let the hurricane determine whether he attends the Alabama-Georgia game.
Meteorologist James Spann warned tailgaters of hazardous conditions before kickoff.

History

Historical Context

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, prompting Governor Kathleen Blanco’s statewide emergency, FEMA’s $125 billion aid effort, and a massive evacuation that reshaped Gulf-Coast disaster planning. That precedent guides today’s response to Hurricane Isaias, as Governors Kay Ivey and Ron DeSantis declare emergencies and the National Hurricane Center issues forecasts, reflecting a continued emphasis on coordinated evacuation and federal support.

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NHC predicts Isaias

The National Hurricane Center predicts Isaias will become a hurricane and strike the Gulf Coast Friday night.
Forecasters expect Category 2 strength with up to 110 mph winds at landfall.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey declared an emergency for 40 counties; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared one for 25 counties.
Heavy rain could produce up to 10 inches locally, with storm surge of 2-7 feet possible along the northern Gulf Coast.

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