FIRST ALERT WEATHER: Isaias nears major hurricane strength this morning

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Isaias nears major hurricane strength this morning. Hurricane Isaias strengthened significantly overnight and is now on the verge of becoming a major hurricane as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast. Hurricane Hunters found maximum sustained winds have increased to 110 mph, with the pressure falling to 963 millibars. Isaias is moving north-northeast at 15 mph and is expected to turn north later today.Additional strengthening is likely this morning as Isaias moves over very warm Gulf waters. The National Hurricane Center forecasts winds to reach 120 mph, making Isaias a Category 3 hurricane. Stronger upper-level winds should cause some weakening before landfall tonight or early Saturday, but forecasters caution that even a short delay in that weakening could allow a stronger hurricane to reach the coast.A Hurricane Warning remains in effect from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida. A life-threatening storm surge is expected alon