Community Corner

Isaac May Strengthen to Hurricane by Thursday or Friday

The National Weather Service is warning that the hurricane could turn northwest "in the general direction of Florida" by the end of the week.

Folks in the Tampa Bay should plan on some rain and thunderstorms this weekend, which are in the forecast through Sunday.

How much rain is up to Tropical Storm Isaac, which is churning toward Puerto Rico today.

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and parts of the Dominican Republican, as Tropical Storm Isaac gains strength.

Find out what's happening in Gulfportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It's too early to tell whether Isaac will track toward Florida and the Republican National Convention, but the National Weather Service is advising the public to keep an eye on the storm.

At 11 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service said that "hurricane conditions are possible within the (current) watch area." The storm is projected to pass through the Leeward Islands tonight and near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Thursday.

Find out what's happening in Gulfportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Isaac could stregthen to a hurricane by Thursday or Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Maximum sustained winds are at 45 mph. Tropical storm force winds are projected to extend outward for up to 60 miles. Officials are warning that flash floods are possible in affected areas.

The storm may turn "northwest in the general direction of Florida during the upcoming weekend," according to the National Weather Service.

"There is uncertainty with regards to the exact track and intensity of Isaac and whether or not Isaac will have a direct impact on west central and southwest Florida," according to the National Weather Service.

Stay with Patch for updates on Tropical Storm Isaac as they become available.


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