From The Straits Times · · 1m 40s
Tropical Storm Isaias Hits US Gulf Coast
Tropical Storm Isaias forecast to become a major hurricane by Oct 10, threatening US Gulf Coast with heavy rain, storm surges, and possible tornadoes.
In brief
Tropical Storm Isaias forecast to become a major hurricane by Oct 10, threatening US Gulf Coast with heavy rain, storm surges, and possible tornadoes. Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to strengthen into a Category 3+ hurricane by early Oct 10, bringing heavy rains, storm surges, and tornado risks to the US Gulf…
Tropical Storm Isaias Forecast
Tropical Storm Isaias formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Oct 7 and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before slamming into the southern US coast early on Oct 10.
Potential Impacts
The storm could bring heavy rains, storm surges, and possible tornadoes across several states, with isolated rainfall amounts of 25.4 cm from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.
Oil and Gas Risks
About 11.2 million barrels of oil production could be lost across the Gulf through the storm, a marked increase from the 7.1 million barrels impacted by Tropical Storm Bertha in July.
Tornado Threat
Tornadoes are possible in the rainbands of Isaias across the Florida panhandle and Alabama from the evening of Oct 9 through Oct 10, with more tornadoes expected further inland.
Government Response
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for portions of the state on Oct 6, and some officials urged residents to voluntarily evacuate.
Hurricane Category
Michael Brennan, director of the NHC, said Isaias could be a 'major' hurricane, Category 3 or higher, when it makes landfall with multiple life-threatening impacts.
“major hurricane, Category 3 or higher”
Oil Production Impact
About 25% of current Gulf oil production, or 511,619 barrels per day, has been shut in, with 350 million cubic feet per day of natural gas production also halted.
The main idea
Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to strengthen into a Category 3+ hurricane by early Oct 10, bringing heavy rains, storm surges, and tornado risks to the US Gulf Coast.
