How Hurricane Isaias broke through to become the first Atlantic hurricane in an extremely quiet 2026 season

An atmospheric scientist explains what’s been going on in the atmosphere, and how El Niño and the jet stream both play important roles.

By: Christopher Davis, UMass Amherst, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 9, 2026

Words: 915

Last Updated: 5 days, 22 hours ago

By Christopher Davis, UMass Amherst

Hurricane Isaias shattered the peace of one of the quietest Atlantic hurricane seasons on record as it grew into 2026’s first Atlantic hurricane and made landfall on the northern Gulf Coast near Destin, Fla., late on Oct. 9.

The Category 2 hurricane’s storm surge reached 5.6 feet at nearby Panama City Beach as it crossed the coast. Forecasters warned of damaging wind gusts over a large portion …

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