Isaias strengthens to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 season

Key Points:

• Hurricane Isaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season with 80 mph winds and a minimum pressure of 975mb, expected to strengthen to category 2 as it nears the northern Gulf coast on Friday.
• The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet due to a strong El Niño, with the first hurricane forming later than any season since 1905, before satellite tracking began.
• Isaias is forecast to bring heavy rainfall of 75-150mm across the Gulf coast, with potential for flash and river flooding, along with life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds, prompting hurricane warnings and evacuation advisories.
• In Zimbabwe, a state of disaster was declared in Masvingo province after a severe hailstorm damaged 8,500 homes and affected over 15,000 people, disrupting power and sanitation infrastructure and raising public health concerns.
• A rare tornado struck Ulladulla, Australia, on 3 October, causing property damage and fallen trees; tornadoes are uncommon in Australia, with about 50 occurring annually.