by NOAAH
A USAF Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft flying into Tropical Storm Isaac this afternoon has not found any strengthening of the system.
Isaac is centered over the Florida Straits about 50 miles south-southeast of Key West. Maximum susatain ed wind are 60 mph.
Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, but the chances of it becoming a hurricane before reaching the Florida Keys is decreasing.
A Hurricane Warning continues for all of the Florida Keys and the west coast of Florida from Bonita Springs southward to Ocean Reef and Florida Bay. Preparations to protect life and property should now be complete, and you need to remain inside in a safe place until the storm is over.
A Hurricane Watch continues along the north Gulf coast from Indian Pass, Florida, to east of Morgan City, Louisiana, including metropolitan News Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. Warnings may be issued later today or tonight for a portion of the watch area.
It is important not to focus on the exact track of Isaac due to the uncertainties in the forecast, and the fact that this storm has a large area of tropical storm-force winds, extending outward up to 205 miles from the center.
There is a threat of tornadoes over the Florida peninsula, especially South Florida and the Keys through the afternoon.
For the expected local impacts and hazards over South Florida, go to the NOAA National Weather Service website atwww.weather.gov/Miami
There is a threat of tornadoes over the Florida peninsula, especially South Florida and the Keys through the afternoon.
For the expected local impacts and hazards over South Florida, go to the NOAA National Weather Service website atwww.weather.gov/Miami
, and for the Florida Keys – www.weather.gov/key
Get the latest on Isaac, including watches, warnings, graphics, and storm surge, on the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov