Isaias strengthens to Category 3 before expected US Gulf Coast landfall

Hurricane Isaias reached Category 3 strength, with sustained winds of 120 mph, the Associated Press reported. It was forecast to make landfall late Friday near the Alabama-Florida line.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecast dangerous conditions across the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and Mississippi. The Associated Press reported that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Friday morning of storm surge and wind damage. Mandatory evacuation orders were in effect in several Panhandle counties, and shelters were opening along the coast.

ABC News’ forecast said storm surge could reach 5 to 7 feet along parts of the Alabama and Florida coast, and 9 feet in places between the Santa Rosa/Okaloosa county line and Grayton Beach. Waves of up to 30 feet were possible in parts of Mississippi Sound. Those figures reflect the published forecast and may change as advisories are updated.

The storm also threatened heavy rain and flooding. ABC News forecast 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 15 inches, across southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. DeSantis urged residents to prepare for possible power outages and keep food, water, fuel and medicine for 72 hours.