Hurricane Isaias Gets Ready for a Run at the East Coast

Hurricane Isaias

Isaias is a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph at the moment, moving through the Bahamas. It is a bit ragged due to some wind shear and dry air, but still packs a punch especially on the northeast side of the center.

Image: www.weathernerds.org

Here is the official NHC forecast for Isaias.  Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Bahamas, with Hurricane Watches up for the Florida East Coast.  Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of the Florida Coast too, including Miami.

Image: www.nhc.noaa.gov

Possible Scenarios for Isaias:

1 - Close Brush or Hit on the Florida Coast

It's possible Isaias could come close to or even move over the Florida coast. It would probably be a little weaker in this scenario, but this would increase impacts in Florida obviously. This would be better news for folks further up the East Coast.

2 - Misses Florida, Goes up the East Coast

The current forecast keeps Isaias just east of Florida, and moves up the East Coast towards the Carolinas and Mid Atlantic.  In this scenario, there would be a bit less weather on the East Coast of Florida, but this could allow more strengthening and would be worse news for the rest of the U.S. East Coast.

It's still a little early to know exactly which scenario will pan out, but the second one is currently closer to the official forecast.

Be prepared for strong tropical storm to hurricane conditions tomorrow evening along the Florida East Coast, and finalize hurricane preparations along the rest of the East Coast as well. 

Andy