Hurricane Isaias expected to strengthen to Category 3 storm before landfall along Gulf Coast

Hurricane Isaias strengthened overnight and is nearing major hurricane status as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast. In the latest update, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and was moving north-northeast at 15 mph. Isaias expected to become Category 3 hurricaneThe National Hurricane Center now forecasts Isaias to reach 120 mph later this morning, making it a Category 3 major hurricane.Very warm, deep Gulf waters remain favorable for intensification over the next 12 hours. However, a substantial increase in upper-level wind shear is expected before landfall, likely weakening the hurricane somewhat.NHC currently forecasts a high-end Category 2 hurricane at landfall, but warns that a delay of just six hours in the arrival of stronger wind shear could allow a substantially stronger hurricane to reach the coast.Gulf Coast threatsRegardless of its exact intensity at landfall, Isaias will remain extremely dangerous. Its wind field is expected to expand as the hurricane intera