Isaias strengthened into a major hurricane Friday as it headed toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, where final preparations were underway for potentially life-threatening storm surges and high winds. Meanwhile,

Hurricane Isaias brings the threat of dangerous storm surge, high winds and heavy rainfall to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Landfall is likely to be near Pensacola, probably near midnight, said Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist at WeatherTiger, who works with the USA TODAY Network.