Hurricane live coverage: Isaias becomes Category 3 storm as it gains strength and nears the Gulf Coast

What to know about Hurricane Isaias Isaias could make landfall late tonight or early tomorrow somewhere between Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Isaias became a major Category 3 hurricane this morning, as the maximum sustained winds have increased to 120 mph, the National Hurricane Center said. Isaias (pronounced ee-sah-EE-ahs) is the first hurricane of the Atlantic season and is forecast to bring dangerous storm surge, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and the risk of tornadoes. The hurricane center has issued numerous warnings and watches for areas along the Gulf Coast between Mississippi and Florida.

Hurricane Isaias is continuing to gain strength early Friday as a Category 3 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center.