Tropical Storm Isaac is quickly developing strength in the Atlantic. Computer models project the storm could potentially impact South Florida as early as Monday morning, threatening to spoil the start of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.
At 11 a.m. the National Hurricane Center said Isaac was moving west in the Caribbean at 21 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
The ninth named storm of hurricane season, Isaac is projected to reach hurricane strength by Thursday. (A Tropical Storm is categorized with wind speed between 39 mph and 73 mph. while a hurricane’s winds reach 74 mph to 110 mph).
The Leeward Islands of the Carribbean are in immediate threat of the tropical storm’s harsh winds and rain. According to the Miami Herald, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic have already been issued warnings and watches.
Projections show the storm moving west after hitting Puerto Rico as a hurricane, and then turning to the northwest.
According to the Miami Herald, the timing of that turn will dictate whether Isaac will make landfall in South Florida or brush the edges of the state.
As always, the projected path is subject to change.
If the storm were to travel to Tallahassee, it would not arrive until later next week, but FSU Emergency Management Coordinator David Bujak said it’s too early to tell if the storm will impact Florida’s capital city.
“At this point, we want people to be aware that the storm is there, but it’s premature to speculate if it will be an issue specifically to Tallahassee,” Bujak said. “Right now it’s looking as if Florida as a whole may be impacted somewhere.”
Florida State is keeping a close eye on the storm, though no impact has been made yet.
“As of now, everything is normal and the storm hasn’t changed any schedules,” Bujak said.
In the event any tropical storm approaches the FSU community, threat of severe winds, flooding rains, or a widespread tornado outbreak, could mean classes would be cancelled—depending on severity of conditions. Significant structural damage to building is not expected though if there is a need, a shelter will open.