For decades, improving the accuracy of track forecasts for dangerous hurricanes like Isaias plodded along at a slow and steady pace. Improvement in intensity forecasting was even slower.

Hurricane Isaias developed late Wednesday as the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026. Its development this late in the year tied a historical record.

MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Simon has strengthened to a Category 2 storm and was forecast to approach Mexico’s coast as a major hurricane this weekend, the National Hurricane Center said Friday.

Strong winds, large waves and storm surge are possible in Orange and San Diego counties, with heavy rain and flash flooding possible in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

The USA TODAY Network livestreamed meteorologist Dr. Ryan Truchelut's Thursday evening forecast for Hurricane Isaias.

The director, Michael Brennan, oversees 45 federal workers, including hurricane specialists and meteorologists.

Hurricane Simon headed toward part of Mexico’s Pacific coast Friday and was forecast to get much stronger, threatening the coast of Jalisco and the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta. U.S.

Isaias is expected to meander east in the Gulf before taking a northeasterly turn and will likely rapidly intensify, according to the NHC. The storm is expected to make landfall early Saturday morning as a hurricane with winds of 105 mph.