Hurricane Isaias strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico as communities along the U.S. Gulf Coast prepared for a potentially dangerous landfall.
The storm reached sustained winds of about 85 mph and could approach major-hurricane strength before reaching shore.
Oil production shut down
Energy companies evacuated offshore platforms and shut in a large share of Gulf oil and natural-gas production.
Authorities warned of storm surge, flooding, tornadoes and heavy rain across parts of Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
The storm is also contributing to higher crude prices as traders assess possible production losses.
Sources
- U.S. National Hurricane Center
- Reuters, Oct. 8, 2026
