NOAA: Hurricane Isaac 2012 May Cause National Convention Cancellation
Forecasters believe that the tropical storm Isaac could possible hit Florida. Although it is too soon to predict that the storm is going to do direct damage to the state, it is brewing up worry that it could potentially interrupt the opening of the Republican National Convention in Tampa on Monday.
Forecast models reveal Isaac's center going westward toward the Gulf of Mexico and also as far east as the Atlantic Ocean. The storm was bringing 45 mph winds on Wednesday and was headed west over the Leeward Islands.
It is predicted to go through Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the next few days, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is also expected to turn into a hurricane by Thursday.
On Wednesday morning, the mayor of Tampa Bob Buckhorn actually started prepping for a potential cancellation of the GOP convention, according to CNN.
"Absolutely, we're prepared to call it off," he stated.
Later on in the day, he informed The Wall Street Journal that such a decision "would be a last resort" and he "don't think it will come to that. We are full speed ahead with the RNC."
However, the senior hurricane specialist over at Miami's NHC Lixion Avila thinks the sunshine state should play it safe and not assume the best, according to the National Post.
"With the convention or without the convention, I can tell you this is Aug. 22, hurricane season, and normally anywhere in Florida or the Gulf of Mexico we should monitor any system that forms," she said.
It is also said that Isaac could possibly compromise United States energy interests in the Gulf of Mexico.