Isaias strengthens to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 season

<p>Storm expected to make landfall on US’s northern Gulf coast with risk of flash floods and isolated river flooding</p><p>Isaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, with wind speeds of 80mph and a minimum pressure of 975mb. It is expected to strengthen to a category 2 hurricane as it approaches the US’s northern Gulf coast on Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).</p><p>As a result of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/26/what-is-el-nino-causes-can-we-reduce-risks">the strong El Niño</a>, it has been a notably quiet Atlantic hurricane season. The first hurricane of the season has not formed this late since 8 October 1905, which pre-dates the satellite era (1960s) for tracking hurricanes that has allowed for more non-landfall hurricanes to be discovered.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/oct/09/isaias-strengthens-first-atlantic-hurricane-2026">Continue reading...</a>