Possible Isaac Landfall Near Mobile?

Isaac remains a tropical storm this Sunday morning, but gained a little strength overnight, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The system is currently moving west-northwest at 20 mph, north of the Cuba coast.  Isaac will be approaching and will move over or near the Florida Keys later on today and tonight.  Gradual strengthening is expected over the next 24 hours as Isaac emerges in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The track has shifted more west from yesterday, with a possible landfall near Mobile Bay late Tuesday/early Wednesday.  Below is the 5:00 am EDT forecast track from the National Hurricane Center.

Keep in mind not to concentrate on the center of the track, but rather the large area of the cone, as adjustments to the track are expected in the next couple of days due to model discrepancy and changing weather conditions.  The latest models have actually been trending farther west with the track for Isaac, with a possible landfall along the Louisiana or Mississippi coast. Below are the latest computer models for Tropical Storm Isaac.

The next forecast track will be released from the National Hurricane Center at 10:00 am CDT/11:00 EDT, which may show a more westward track.  Check back here, as we will post another update on the new track.  Despite a potential change in the track, a Hurricane Watch has been posted from the mouth of the Mississippi River, including coastal areas of Alabama and the western panhandle of Florida.  A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area within the next 48 hours, if you live or know of anyone who lives along the northern Gulf Coast, please stay alert to forecast updates of Isaac and have a plan ready.

- Jennifer Watson

Twitter: @JWatson_Wx

Facebook: Jennifer Watson WHNT