US National Hurricane Center warns of Hurricane Isaias approaching US coasts

New York, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned on Friday of Hurricane Isaac, classified as a Category 3 storm, approaching the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, with forecasts indicating landfall today accompanied by destructive winds, a dangerous storm surge, and flooding that threatens coastal areas. In its latest advisory, the center reported that Isaac’s sustained winds reached approximately 195 kilometers per hour, with its center located about 235 kilometers south of Pensacola, Florida, moving north-northeast at 26 kilometers per hour. The center noted that the hurricane is expected to make landfall on the northern Gulf Coast tonight as a major hurricane before gradually weakening after landfall, with a possible transition to a post-tropical system by late Saturday. The center also warned of a storm surge ranging from 1.8 to 2.7 meters along the coast from the Alabama-Florida border to Grayton Beach, Florida, alongside heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding. Rainfall totals of 100 to 200 millimeters are expected across southern Alabama, northwestern Florida, and southwestern Georgia over the weekend, with isolated amounts reaching up to 380 millimeters. The center indicated that hurricane-force winds extend up to about 55 kilometers from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds extend up to approximately 335 kilometers. Isaac intensified into a Category 3 major hurricane on Friday morning, according to data from reconnaissance aircraft used by the National Hurricane Center. The center also warned of the potential for tornadoes in the coastal areas of Alabama, northwestern Florida, and southern Georgia tonight, with the threat extending to other parts of the southeastern United States on Saturday. (End) A.S.T. / M.A.H.A.