Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – Hurricane Isaias has further intensified to a Category 2 hurricane as it heads toward the northern Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to strengthen further and briefly become a "major hurricane" early today, before weakening slightly and making landfall late this evening.
Coastal areas could be hit by a storm surge of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) and rainfall of up to 38 centimeters (15 inches), with the possible sudden formation of short-lived tornadoes.
A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, and mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in some areas.
Some Florida airports will close in anticipation of the storm's arrival. Amtrak train service in parts of Louisiana and Alabama will also be disrupted. Even before Hurricane Isaias makes landfall along the Gulf Coast, authorities, even in Charleston, South Carolina, are already preparing for its lingering effects.
Yesterday, Mayor William S. Cogswell Jr. activated the city's flood prevention plan, predicting heavy rains and high tides that will pose a risk of flooding for the Atlantic coastal city this weekend.
international/foreign
webinfo@adnkronos.com (Web Info)