The National Hurricane Center initiated advisories -- and the all-important track maps -- on Tropical Depression Nine on Tuesday afternoon. Forecasters said the depression could become Tropical Storm Isaias (pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs) by Wednesday and then the first hurricane of 2026 on Thursday as it tracks northward toward the Gulf Coast.

Sustained winds are considered “damaging” when they reach 50 knots, or 58 m.p.h., and can start to break tree limbs and tear off roof shingles. More widespread damage occurs as winds reach and exceed hurricane force, which is 74 m.p.h.

Stronger wind shear may cause some weakening shortly before landfall, but Isaias is still expected to remain a dangerous hurricane with life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

Hurricane Lowell remains a powerful storm on Tuesday, with numerous warnings still in place for Hawaii.