Hurricane Isaias strengthens to Category 2 with evacuations underway in the Gulf states

Hurricane Isaias strengthened to Category 2 Thursday as it moved toward the northern Gulf Coast, prompting evacuations, school closures and emergency declarations. It was forecast to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday in the Florida Panhandle, bringing winds, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rain. The National Hurricane Center urged residents in affected areas to complete preparations. Alabama declared an emergency covering 40 counties, while some Florida coastal areas ordered mandatory evacuations. Forecasters warned of flooding and possible tornadoes; officials urged residents to follow local instructions.