From The Conversation · Christopher Davis · · 1m
Hurricane Isaias breaks 2026 Atlantic season quiet
Hurricane Isaias becomes 2026's first Atlantic hurricane as season remains eerily quiet.
In brief
Hurricane Isaias becomes 2026's first Atlantic hurricane as season remains eerily quiet. Hurricane Isaias formed as 2026's first Atlantic hurricane despite an unusually quiet start to the season. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Hurricane Isaias forms
Hurricane Isaias became 2026's first Atlantic hurricane on Oct. 8, 2026.
Coastal preparations begin
Residents in Alabama and Florida Panhandle board up windows and prepare sandbags for storm surge.
Tyndall Air Force Base evacuates
Tyndall Air Force Base started evacuating fighter jets ahead of Isaias.
El Niño weakens Atlantic storms
El Niño created dry air and wind shear that prevented most Atlantic hurricanes from forming in 2026.
Isaias forms in Gulf of Mexico
Isaias formed over western Gulf of Mexico where vertical wind shear weakened and moisture increased.
Isaias strengthens despite challenges
Isaias strengthened as it moved toward the U.S. but faced increasing wind shear from the jet stream.
Season remains quiet
Hurricane season continues through November 30 with potential for more storms.
In short
Hurricane Isaias formed as 2026's first Atlantic hurricane despite an unusually quiet start to the season.
