WeatherNation Meteorologists

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On Wednesday evening, Isaias became the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. This breaks the decades old record of the latest to form in the modern, satellite era. Thursday, it continued its steady strengthening as it moved northeast. Hurricane Hunters have now found that its winds have hit 100 mph, making it a Category 2 hurricane. As it turns north, the National Hurricane Center has its landfall forecast between the Mississippi/Alabama line and Destin as a category 2 hurricane late Friday. Heavy rain, damaging winds and powerful storm surge will be possible along the Gulf Coast states.<h2>EVACUATION INFORMATION</h2>Evacuation orders have been issued for areas that could experience high surge and wind impacts. Please check your state's evacuation orders below. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ema.alabama.gov/">https://ema.alabama.gov/</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders/">https://www.floridadisaster.org/evacuation-orders/</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.msema.org/prepare/evacuations">https://www.msema.org/prepare/evacuations</a><h2>FLOOD ZONE INFORMATION</h2>If you are concerned about your home flooding, use this tool from FEMA to check your flood zone.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search">https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search</a><h1>Cone &amp; Forecast</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 150048-1791493307686.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2108267715240902919" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2108267715240902919"></div>Hurricane warnings have been issued for portions of the Gulf Coast (shown below in red). Preparations should be rushed to completion Thursday before an anticipated landfall late Friday. Tropical Storm Warnings extend from the Big Bend of Florida to New Orleans, and inland into southern Alabama. Tropical Storm Watches stretch all the way north to Birmingham.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 090635-1791472009686.png">Storm surge warnings are also in place from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River, FL. Inundation in the hardest hit areas could reach up to 5-7 feet. Evacuations for storm surge have begun in places like Dauphin Island, AL, which have already been experiencing coastal flooding this week with a non-tropical system that stalled along the northern Gulf.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 215805-1791432065570.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 090917-1791472170482.png">Anyone from the Louisiana coast to the Big Bend of Florida should be on alert since changes in the forecast are possible. Winds and bands of rain are likely to begin arriving Friday morning. Heavy rain, gusty winds and storm surge will peak late Friday into early Saturday. Even after landfall, severe storms with isolated tornadoes will be possible as a stream line of moisture funnels through Alabama and Georgia. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a slight risk for Saturday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/isabams-1791473169156.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Regardless of strength and intensity, we can count on heavy rainfall across a lot of these Gulf Coast states into the weekend. We're seeing potential totals above 6 inches! The flood threat will definitely be there as a result.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 092704-1791473236660.png">The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has a moderate (level 3 out of 4) risk for heavy rainfall and flooding on Friday. This includes Mobile, AL and Destin, FL.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 150041-1791406847058.png">Stay tuned to the forecast here on WeatherNation. We'll bring you the details you need, and cut out all the hype.

Patrick Crawford

HURRICANE ISAIAS: The Latest

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<h1>Pacific Basin</h1>The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active so far this hurricane season and looks to continue to create additional activity through the next week. Several systems could bring impacts to the United States. This includes Rachel, which will move into the SW this weekend. Simon has a chance to send heavy rain to the middle of the country next week.<h2>Rachel</h2>Rachel is weakening in cooler water west of the Baja. A big digging trough will pick Rachel up and move it into the Southwest this weekend with rain and wind impacts expected. Flood potential is expected to be highest on Sunday - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/california-in-the-cone-rachel-heads-toward-the-southwest">click here to read a more detailed forecast.</a><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 4-1791504916913.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 5-1791504952056.png">We also have Tropical Storm Simon which formed Wednesday afternoon off the coast of Acapulco. This system is expected to head west for a day or two before being steered north by the big western trough that will pull Rachel to the NE. We'll have to wait to see if this moisture ends up in the Plains &amp; Midwest, but that is a possibility!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 092912-1791474276233.png"><h1>El Niño Fueling Pacific Activity</h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 104818-1791478116096.png">The surge in tropical activity comes as El Niño continues to strengthen across the equatorial Pacific. El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures across portions of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Those unusually warm waters can influence weather patterns around the globe while also creating an environment that can favor tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-28 194202-1790646127358.png">This year’s El Niño has already strengthened considerably, and forecasts indicate it could become exceptionally strong later this year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot 2026-09-12 063433-1789216512410.png">

Tropics: Rachel Heads Towards California, Simon Expected to Strengthen

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Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

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Heavy rain and gusty winds are looking more likely for the Southwestern United States this weekend as tropical storm Rachel takes aim at the region. Rachel has been weakening for some time and will continue to do so as it moves over cooler waters, but impacts from even weak tropical systems can be significant.<h1>Track &amp; Wind Potential</h1>Hurricane Hilary made headlines in 2023 as it nearly made landfall in California as a hurricane, with heavy rain impacting the deserts and mountains. This system won't have the same wind energy, but could still bring some gusty winds to the region that could cause damage, especially in mountainous terrain. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 124127-1791485257580.png">The latest from the National Hurricane Center shows most of the tropical storm wind potential staying south of San Diego, but some tropical storm force winds could impact southern sections of San Diego County, near Tijuana. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 124211-1791485284028.png">Desert areas can expect gusts to 35-45 mph on Sunday. The fast forward movement could bring those strong gusts north in Utah or even parts of Wyoming and Idaho. Widespread power outages are not anticipated but a few isolated outages are possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 132751-1791487743629.png"><h1>Rain &amp; Flood Forecast</h1>Flooding will likely be the biggest impact from Rachel in the West, and even heavy snow! As moisture is pulled into the west, a cold trough from Canada will help usher the moisture north, sending it through Montana where temperatures will be dropping quickly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 124225-1791485302059.png">Flood potential begins on Saturday but ramps up Sunday for areas in dark green, as the bulk of Rachel's moisture moves in. Isolated flooding is possible for several southern California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, while scattered flash flooding is more likely in the deserts and mountain regions to the east of the coast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 124232-1791485310013.png">Moisture begins spreading into the region late Saturday, but the bulk of the impacts will be felt Sunday and Monday as heavy rain and the remnant core of the storm quickly move north. Flooding rain could close roads and impact travel in desert and mountain regions - stay vigilant and limit travel if possible!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-08 12-45-52-1791485364717.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

California In The Cone, Rachel Heads Toward the Southwest

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Deep tropical moisture streaming north from the Gulf is combining with a slow-moving front, setting the stage for widespread showers and thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast. Apalachicola, Florida, saw 7.49 inches of rain on Monday; this was the wettest October day on record! More heavy rainfall and flash flooding are possible Thursday into Friday, along with an isolated tornado or two. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2107561532381090282" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2107561532381090282"></div>A stalled front is taking the moisture from Isaias and pulling it across Central and Northern Florida. For more info on Isaias and its impacts, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Gulf-Braces-For-Tropical-Impact">read here</a>.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-08 09-10-32-1791472273083.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Some localized totals of 5-6 inches of rain will be possible. Watch out for localized flash flooding and ponding on the roads in the usual spots.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-08 085923-1791472325822.png">In addition to heavy rain, extra rotational energy from Isaias could spawn a few tornadoes on Thursday. Stay tuned to WeatherNation TV for additional details and live coverage.

Flooding, Tornadoes Target Central Florida Thursday

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Brittany Lockley

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A major temperature divide is unfolding across the United States as millions experience a true taste of fall while parts of the West continue to deal with summer-like heat.&nbsp;A surge of cooler air has spread across much of the central and eastern United States, sending temperatures tumbling and bringing some of the chilliest conditions of the season so far. Meanwhile, unusually hot weather continues across portions of the West Coast, where temperatures are running well above what is typical for early October.&nbsp;Summer Hangs On in the West&nbsp;While jackets are coming out farther east, residents across portions of the West are still dealing with significant heat.&nbsp;Temperatures across parts of California and the interior West are running roughly 10 to 15 degrees above average in some locations. Triple-digit temperatures have even been recorded in portions of Southern California despite the calendar moving deeper into October.&nbsp;Los Angeles experienced consecutive October days with temperatures reaching at least 100 degrees, highlighting the intensity of the unusual fall heat.&nbsp;The persistent warmth stretches beyond Southern California, with above-average temperatures extending through portions of the Great Basin and toward the northern Rockies.&nbsp;Over the next 3 days, many cities will be near, tie, or break the current records.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035357-1791366853404.png">Heat alerts remain in place through Friday. Los Angeles is under an extreme heat warning, meaning use caution if working outdoors and make sure to drink plenty of water.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035446-1791366898851.png">Check out temperatures in Los Angeles: the average high is normally 80°, but temperatures will flirt again with the century mark even in the next few days. Temperatures will remain in the upper 90s for Las Vegas, and Phoenix will dig into the 100s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035550-1791366965841.png">The Northwest will also be threatening record-high temperatures. High temperatures will stay hot in most of the cities in the Northwest. These highs will be anywhere from 10-15° above average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 035630-1791367010235.png">Meanwhile, in the Northeast, Fall Air Settles In&nbsp;A strong cold front has helped usher cooler, drier air into a large portion of the country. Behind the front, daytime temperatures are struggling to climb out of the 50s and 60s in some areas.&nbsp;The cooler air is especially noticeable during the overnight and early morning hours. Temperatures are dropping into the 30s and 40s across parts of the northern tier, Great Lakes and Northeast, creating the potential for frost in some of the coldest locations.&nbsp;For areas that have enjoyed a relatively warm start to fall, the change may feel especially dramatic.&nbsp;The arrival of the cooler air is also pushing temperatures below seasonal averages across portions of the central and eastern U.S., signaling a more traditional October weather pattern.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 040003-1791367220514.png">A Coast-to-Coast Temperature Contrast&nbsp;The dramatically different conditions are creating a weather map that looks more like two different seasons.&nbsp;Much of the East is experiencing crisp mornings, cooler afternoons, and increasing frost potential, while parts of the West remain firmly locked in a pattern more typical of late summer.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-07 040204-1791367341750.png">Eventually, the western heat is expected to ease as the weather pattern shifts. Until then, millions of Americans will continue experiencing very different versions of October depending on which side of the country they call home.Tune in to WeatherNation for the latest on this forecast and records that break throughout the days to come.

Fall Chill Grips the East While Record Heat Bakes the West

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A noticeable change in the weather is on the way for millions across the Great Lakes and Northeast as some of the coldest air since spring moves into the region.&nbsp;After an unusually warm start to October, a push of Canadian air will send temperatures tumbling over the next several days. The transition could eventually bring the season’s first widespread frost and freeze to portions of the northern United States.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-03 073235-1791034366761.png">Check out how cold the temperatures will be for the Northeast early next week. This cold air could kill temperature sensitive vegetation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-05 063050-1791203461967.jpg">The cooldown marks a dramatic change following the recent stretch of unseasonably warm weather across the eastern United States.&nbsp;October is typically when the first freeze becomes increasingly common across the Midwest and Northeast, although the exact timing varies considerably depending on elevation and location.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/Screenshot 2026-10-03 073713-1791034643040.png">For many across the Great Lakes and Northeast, the upcoming cold snap could provide the clearest sign yet that the warm days of early fall are beginning to fade.&nbsp;Stay Tuned for more details in the Eastern Regional forecast on WeatherNation TV :10 past the hour.

Fall Temperatures for the Northeast

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Tracey Anthony

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<h2></h2><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2105658995948281901" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2105658995948281901"></div><h2>WHAT TO EXPECT</h2>Tropical moisture from the remnants of Polo and the Gulf have surged north and met a frontal boundary. This has equaled a formula of very heavy rainfall. Flood alerts are in place through Thursday across portions of the plains and Midwest. The soils for this part of the country are already very saturated for many. This means adding more rainfall can lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams, and flash flooding is not out of the question.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 4-1790897782083.png"><h2>TIMING</h2>Rounds of heavy rain will continue on and off. Isolated areas of flooding will be possible. Friday, this low will move east, and we will see drier conditions by the end of the week.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/FORECAST-1790897919777.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>TOTALS</h2>Folks can expect very heavy rainfall, with most seeing around 2"- 4". Some localized areas of a half foot will be possible! Never try to drive through floodwaters, and make sure to take any flood alerts and warnings seriously. If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure to have an action plan in place if flooding develops! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/10/PIC 5-1790897796211.png"> Make sure to tune into WeatherNation for the latest forecast!

Plains & Midwest: Slow Moving Storms Increase Flood Threat

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As millions in the United States get ready to find out whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow (he saw his shadow), including us here at WeatherNation, we wanted to let you know Punxsutawney Phil isn't the only game in town when comes to forecasting the weather for the rest of winter.

From other groundhogs to prairie dogs to walruses to polar bears, many communities across the United States have traditions where animal help forecast the weather for the rest of Winter. Here are all the ones we found:

<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/local/photos-georgia-groundhog-gen-beauregard-lee/vPGK702XKDGD85esAwbIPM/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">General Beauregard Lee (Groundhog) in Georgia</a>

<a href="http://www.tnaqua.org/blog/entry/chattanooga-chucks-makes-his-groundhog-day-prediction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chattanooga Chuck (Groundhog) in Tennessee</a>

<a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article130281829.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sir Walter Wally in Raleigh-Durham, NC</a>

<a href="http://www.cleveland.com/weather/blog/index.ssf/2018/01/new_to_ohio_meet_buckeye_chuck.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buckeye Chuck in Ohio</a>

<a href="http://www.wboy.com/news/upshur/wva-wildlife-center-prepares-for-french-creek-freddie/943988503" target="_blank" rel="noopener">French Creek Freddy in West Virginia</a>.

<a href="https://www.cityofsunprairie.com/840/Groundhog-Day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jimmy the Groundhog in Sun Prairie, WI</a>

<a href="https://www.charlotteagenda.com/37158/the-story-behind-charlottes-groundhog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queen Charlotte (Groundhog) in Charlotte</a>

<a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article130281829.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sir Walter (Groundhog) in Raleigh</a>

<a href="http://www.swvatoday.com/news/article_41d7ea5c-c52f-11e5-be80-3bd30ea79949.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Woolly Mammoth in Saltville, VA</a>

<a href="http://buffalonews.com/2018/02/01/sean-kirst-for-dunkirk-daves-devoted-caretaker-every-day-is-groundhog-day/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dunkirk Dave in Western New York</a>

<a href="http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2015/02/sand_mountain_sam_alabamas_wea.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sand Mountain Sam the weather forecasting opossum in NE Alabama.</a>

<a href="http://www.times-news.com/western-maryland-murray-getting-an-early-start-saturday/article_892dc8e3-f491-5aa4-8482-809c1fba1196.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Western Maryland Murray</a>

Bee Cave Bob the Armadillo in Texas

http://kxan.com/2017/02/02/armadillo-day-will-bee-cave-bob-see-his-shadow/

<a href="http://www.fox21online.com/2017/02/02/spike-porcupine-sees-shadow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spike the Porcupine in Minnesota</a>

<a href="http://www.woodstockilchamber.com/events/details/groundhog-day-prognostication-3894" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Woodstock Willie in Woodstock, IL</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Unadilla-Bill-Groundhog-Celebration-311049559877/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unadilla Bill in Unadilla, NE (He's stuffed)</a>

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/long-island/groundhog-quogue-malverne-mel-1.16463511" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malverne Mel – Long Island, NY</a>

<a href="http://holtsvillehal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Holtsville Hal –  Long Island, NY</a>

<a href="https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/west/things-to-do/2018/01/22/wauwatosa-elm-grove-brookfield-polar-bear-doing-groundhog-day-prediction-zoo/1044548001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Milwaukee Zoo Polar Bears Forecasting</a>

<a href="https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/staten-island-chuck-predict-length-winter-groundhog-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Staten Island Chuck, NY</a>

<a href="http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/2015-02-01/prairie-dog-pete-expected-see-shadow-sunny-groundhog-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prairie Dog Pete in Lubbock, TX</a>

Aqua Fria Freddie (Rattle Snake) in Phoenix, Arizona

<a href="http://www.journal-news.com/news/groundhog-day-friday-continues-131-year-old-tradition/anm8JTtxMoFQJe0t9EqyEL/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quilliam the Hedgehog in Dayton</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Punxsutawney Phil isn't the Only Game in Town

HURRICANE ISAIAS: The Latest

On Wednesday evening, Isaias became the first

Tropics: Rachel Heads Towards California, Simon Expected to Strengthen

Pacific BasinThe Pacific Ocean has been incre

California In The Cone, Rachel Heads Toward the Southwest

Heavy rain and gusty winds are looking more l

Flooding, Tornadoes Target Central Florida Thursday

Deep tropical moisture streaming north from t

Fall Chill Grips the East While Record Heat Bakes the West

A major temperature divide is unfolding acros

Fall Temperatures for the Northeast

A noticeable change in the weather is on the

Plains & Midwest: Slow Moving Storms Increase Flood Threat

WHAT TO EXPECTTropical moisture from the remn