Hurricane Simon’s Rapid Intensification
Hurricane Simon is quickly gaining strength off the Pacific coast of Mexico. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported winds reaching up to 90 mph (150 kph) on Friday. Predictions indicate that Simon may escalate to a Category 4 hurricane by Saturday, approaching the tourist destinations in southwestern and west-central Mexico.
Isaias Approaches Major Hurricane Status
Hurricane Isaias continues to strengthen, with winds hitting 110 mph (175 kph), nearing Category 3 classification. Preparedness efforts should be completed swiftly as conditions are expected to deteriorate today. The National Hurricane Center warns that Isaias may reach major hurricane status this morning, although some weakening is anticipated before landfall. Nevertheless, it will likely remain a formidable storm.
Overview of the Atlantic Hurricane Season
This year’s Atlantic hurricane season stands out as the first in 75 years to experience its initial hurricane, Isaias, by late September. Forecasters had anticipated a less active season, with a 55% chance of it being below average in May and a revised 75% in August. Predictions called for seven to 13 named storms, with two to six becoming hurricanes, and no more than two reaching Category 3 status or higher. On average, the season sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Isaias is the ninth named storm, the rest have been tropical storms, mostly appearing from mid-August through September. Last year, Hurricane Erin, a Category 5 storm, formed in August but did not hit the U.S.
Preparation in Alabama and Florida
Residents in Alabama and Florida are making preparations ahead of Hurricane Isaias. Images show empty aisles in a Gulf Breeze, Florida Walmart as locals stockpile essentials. In Gulf Breeze, Florida, a restaurant owner covered windows with plywood. Meanwhile, workers installed shutters at a seafood shack in Orange Beach, Alabama, and others filled sandbags in preparation for the storm.
Atlantic Versus Pacific Hurricane Activity
Isaias is the first hurricane in the 2026 Atlantic season, arriving later than in some previous years. In contrast, the eastern and central Pacific have seen increased activity, including hurricanes that impacted Hawaii. Hurricane Lala in August was particularly deadly, claiming two lives, while Hurricane Lowell caused damage near Kauai. Hurricane Nolo passed south of Hawaii without major impact. The season’s first eastern Pacific hurricane, Fausto, emerged in mid-July. NOAA had forecasted an active eastern Pacific hurricane season, with a 70% chance of being above average due to an El Niño system. El Niño is a climate pattern featuring elevated sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific, influencing weaker winds near the equator and reduced upwelling of cold water.
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