Tropical storm conditions have reached the northern Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center said in its most recent update. Hurricane Isaias strengthened to a Category 3 storm as evacuation orders were issued along the US Gulf Coast, according to the BBC.
The center said people should finish their preparations for what it described as life-threatening storm surge and devastating winds within the next few hours. It classifies a tropical storm as having sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, or 63 to 118 km/h.
BBC reports that evacuation orders cover parts of the Gulf Coast, with Yahoo reporting they were issued in Alabama and Florida. Yahoo also described Isaias as a major Category 3 storm that was strengthening before landfall.
The storm's reach extends beyond the coastline. CNN Business reported that Isaias could disrupt what it called America's refining nerve center, while CNBC reported that the hurricane has disrupted US oil production in the Gulf of Mexico and threatens refineries.
WSFA reported that the major hurricane was expected to make landfall Friday night and linger through early Saturday.
The National Hurricane Center's guidance points to the immediate priority: residents in the storm's path have only a short window left to complete preparations before conditions worsen.
What to watch next: whether Isaias shifts in strength or track before landfall, and how far the disruption spreads through Gulf energy operations.
