Jared Smith, our beloved friend, co-host and co-owner of the Carolina Weather Group, passed away Thursday in Charleston. Jared was a brilliant, friendly and caring man who was deeply passionate about his community.

We are likely on the doorstep (if not, already there) of Category 4 intensity for Isaias this afternoon. Flight-level winds peaked at 126kts, which translates to roughly 115kts (130mph) at the surface. Tail Wind Dopper measured over 115kts a little above the surface (>500m).

Moderate R2 radio blackout in progress (≥M5 - current: M6.86) Follow live on spaceweather.live/l/flare

Isaias is now a Hurricane in the Southern Gulf with winds of 75mph and 982mb. This is the first Hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Wind shear is currently beating Isaias up a little bit tonight. Notice convection on the NW side of the storm being chewed out, also convection really not going anywhere. This will keep Isaias' intenstification a little more tame for tonight, but it remains to be seen how the environment sets up tomorrow, and if these same issues continue for the system. Obviously, the weaker, the better, but we can't yet be confident that a weaker storm will actually materalize.