Tropical Storm Isaias has formed off the eastern coast of Mexico, with meteorologists expecting it to strengthen into a hurricane before striking the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week.
The storm was situated roughly 285 miles (460 kilometers) west of Progreso, Mexico, Wednesday morning, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.
It was around 580 miles (935 kilometers) southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River.
It is tracking east-northeast at 8 mph (13 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph).
It remains unclear precisely where the system will make landfall along the Gulf Coast.
However, initial projections from the hurricane center suggest that the eye of Isaias could hit land somewhere between eastern Louisiana and the western Florida Panhandle.
“Rapid strengthening is forecast over the next day or two,” the National Hurricane Center said.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote in a post on X that he had signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for 25 counties ahead of the weather system making landfall.
“This order ensures communities have the time and resources necessary to prepare for potential severe weather impacts to the Panhandle and Big Bend region of Florida,” he wrote.
“Floridians should have their plans in place, keep emergency supply kits fully stocked, and follow @FLSERT for weather updates and preparedness information.”
Tropical Storm Isaias was previously known as Tropical Depression Nine.
CNN meteorologists said that it could peak as a Category 2 storm, with 110 mph winds, by Thursday night or early Friday, before making landfall as a dangerous hurricane.
The meteorologists said that hurricane and storm surge watches were likely to be issued for parts of the northern Gulf Coast Wednesday.
The watches will likely warn of winds reaching at least 74 mph, as well as life-threatening coastal flooding.
The meteorologists warned that the storm could lead several tornadoes to form along the coast.
Tropical Storm Isaias will be the first hurricane of the year in the Atlantic basin.
CNN also reported that Shell and BP had evacuated non-essential workers from their facilities in the Gulf ahead of the hurricane making landfall.
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