Hurricane Isaias strengthens into Category 3 storm with US in its sights

Hurricane Isaias has strengthened into a major Category 3 storm with winds exceeding 193 km/h, as the US Gulf Coast prepares for potentially life-threatening conditions. It is expected to make landfall between Mobile Bay in Alabama and Choctawhatchee Bay in Florida, late Friday or early Saturday. Storm surges of up to 2.7 meters and rainfall up to 38 cm are forecasted, creating dangerous flooding conditions along the shoreline. States of emergency have been issued by local governors.