Hurricane Isaias Threatens Gulf Coast as Rachel Moisture Reaches West

Two tropical systems are threatening separate US coastlines as Hurricane Isaias strengthens in the Gulf of America and Hurricane Rachel's remnants move toward the West Coast, according to Fox Weather. The systems could bring flooding, severe weather and coastal impacts.

Fox Weather reported that Isaias became the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season after forming in the Bay of Campeche. The storm is forecast to reach the Gulf Coast between Gulfport, Mississippi, and Panama City, Florida.

Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings have been issued for parts of the northern Gulf Coast as Isaias organizes. Fox Weather said the storm could bring heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge and tornadoes.

The NOAA Weather Prediction Center issued flash flood risks for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, southern Tennessee, southwestern North Carolina and western South Carolina.

Fox Weather reported that a Level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk covers Mobile, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle west of Panama City. A Level 2 risk includes Atlanta and Montgomery, Alabama.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Rachel is expected to lose tropical characteristics before the weekend, but its moisture is forecast to continue moving across the western United States, according to Fox Weather.

Fox Weather said a broad dip in the jet stream could direct Rachel's moisture toward Southern California and the Southwest. Rain may begin Saturday, with flood threats increasing Sunday.

A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat was issued for Las Vegas and Phoenix, where Fox Weather reported that 2 to 3 inches of rain could be possible. Rachel's moisture may also contribute to snow in higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada and parts of Montana and northern Wyoming.

Fox Weather reported that simultaneous tropical impacts on the East and West coasts have occurred only twice since 1963. Previous cases occurred on Sept. 18, 1963, and Sept. 6, 1972.