Isaias strengthens to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 season

Isaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, with wind speeds of 80mph and a minimum pressure of 975mb. It is expected to strengthen to a category 2 hurricane as it approaches the US’s northern Gulf coast on Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).As a result of the strong El Niño, it has been a notably quiet Atlantic hurricane season. The first hurricane of the season has not formed this late since 8 October 1905, which pre-dates the satellite era (1960s) for tracking hurricanes that has allowed for more non-landfall hurricanes to be discovered.Isaias is expected to make landfall on Friday evening local time, bringing an estimated 75-150mm (2.9-5.9in) of rainfall across the Gulf coast. There may be up to 250mm in places, with a possibility of flash flooding and isolated river flooding.The NOAA also said there was increasing likelihood of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the northern Gulf coast and damaging hurricane-force winds over portions of the Florida panhandle, southern Alabama and Mississippi. A hurricane warning has been issued and people have been told to prepare for long power outages and to obey any evacuation orders issued.People pick up sandbags in Mobile, Alabama, in preparation for Hurricane Isaias. Photograph: Octavio Jones/APIn Zimbabwe, a state of disaster was declared in the south-east Masvingo province on Tuesday after a severe hailstorm caused widespread damage to homes and critical infrastructure.Preliminary assessments found the roofs had been torn off 8,500 homes. A further 15,300 people reported shattered windows, leaving many exposed to the elements as the rainy season begins.The country’s power infrastructure was badly affected, disrupting drainage and sewerage systems, raising concerns about public health.In Australia, a rare tornado hit the town of Ulladulla, about 140 miles (230km) south of Sydney, on 3 October. Tornadoes are relatively rare in Australia, where there are about 50 each year. This Ulladulla tornado damaged properties and felled trees.