Isaias, while still a hurricane this morning, is struggling a bit. Maximum sustained winds are 80 mph.
Radar shows that Isaias only has a partial eye wall. The satellite presentation has also degraded since yesterday afternoon and evening. This is likely due to a combination of 20 to 25 knots of westerly wind shear and dry air entertainment.
As of now, the National Hurricane Center is forecasting Isaias to remain a hurricane on approach to Florida. However, it would not be surprising to see some weakening as a result of the continued impact of the aforementioned shear and dry air.
Having said that, if the eye wall is able to close off, there could also be a period of intensification.
Isaias is going to impact much of the east coast of Florida, starting with southeast Florida tonight. A hurricane warning is in place from Boca Raton, FL to the Volusia/Flagler County line.
It is still uncertain if Isaias will make landfall in Florida or just make a very, very close pass. Regardless of landfall, Isaias will likely bring strong winds up to hurricane force, a dangerous storm surge, and heavy rain to the Florida east coast tonight into Monday.
Isaias is likely to continue up the east coast Tuesday and Wednesday. However, strength and impacts will dependent on a Florida landfall (or lack thereof).
