The National Hurricane Center initiated advisories -- and the all-important track maps -- on Tropical Depression Nine on Tuesday afternoon. Forecasters said the depression could become Tropical Storm Isaias (pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs) by Wednesday and then the first hurricane of 2026 on Thursday as it tracks northward toward the Gulf Coast.

Sustained winds are considered “damaging” when they reach 50 knots, or 58 m.p.h., and can start to break tree limbs and tear off roof shingles. More widespread damage occurs as winds reach and exceed hurricane force, which is 74 m.p.h.

The NHC is showcasing its newly improved experimental forecasting system, featuring elliptical cones that depict speed and directional errors, as Tropical Storm Rachel approaches the Pacific southwest.

Isaias is expected to meander east in the Gulf before taking a northeasterly turn and will likely rapidly intensify, according to the NHC. The storm is expected to make landfall early Saturday morning as a hurricane with winds of 105 mph.

Hurricane Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026, has strengthened into a Category 2 storm as it takes aim at the Gulf Coast from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle.

The blistering heat that has baked Southern California for days is coming to an end, with rain on tap for the weekend and early next week, along with a risk of potentially damaging coastal flooding.