Hurricane Isaac 2012 Map: 'Isaac Eyes Florida' in Possible Category 2 Hurricane Developing in Next 48 Hours
Hurricane Isaac 2012 is quickly brewing from a harmless tropical storm into a possibly disastrous hurricane aiming for Tampa, Florida. As the storm rushes through the Caribbean, meteorologist report that Hurricane Isaac 2012 will most likely take a direct slam into Tampa or at least a less severe brush through Florida before continuing its route through the US Gulf Coast region.
"Isaac eyes Florida," read a headline Thursday morning from AccuWeather.
Renewed forecast path predictor models from the National Hurricane Center reveal that Hurricane Isaac 2012 is likely hit Florida on Monday, then go over the land in 24 hours before reaching west of Florida and striking Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Other possibilities include the storm only threatening Florida from near water on the west side and also menacing the neighboring states in the Gulf Coast region later on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
"Current projections bring Isaac, now a strengthening tropical storm, to Florida's neighborhood during the first part of next week," Alex Sosnowski, a meteorologist on AccuWeather stated. The tropical storm is expected to strike as a category 1 or category 2 hurricane.
Hurricane Isaac 2012 comes in light of the Republican National Convention scheduled for Monday in Tampa. Although some meteorologist are suggesting a severe attack on the city, the mayor of Tampa believes the RNC should proceed as planned.
"Come on down," Bob Buckhorn said. "The event is going to take place, it's going to be a great event and we're looking forward to having you."
Mayor Buckhorn insists that Floridians "don't lose a lot of sleep over" possible storms since they are used to that kind of weather. He claims that the city is thoroughly prepared with safety plans for residents of Tampa as well as those coming for the convention.
"We've got plans in place that we practice all year round. We've got plans on top of plans. The only thing the RNC does is add about 50,000 more people to the equation," Buckhorn stated.
Thus far, the Republican National Convention has not been cancelled or delayed. RNC spokesman, James Davis, assures everyone that Hurricane Isaac is being evaluated and everyone's safety will be protected.
"We will release information as we get it. Right now we are looking forward to having a great convention," Davis said. "We are confident we will be able to get the business done of our convention which is to nominate Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan."
If Tampa experiences the best case scenario in the Hurricane Isaac path predictions, the convention would not have to be cancelled, Max Golembo, a meteorologist for ABC, said. In the most favorable case, Tampa would endure 30 mph winds and approximately 1 inch of rainfall.
"Pack an umbrella at least and maybe a poncho and galoshes, but don't quite break out the boats and don't start building the arc," Golembo said.
