Tropical storm Isaac, which is currently slicing west across the Atlantic at 40 mph, is now expected to be a Category 1 hurricane by the time skirts along the coast of Tampa, Florida on Monday.
The storm, which was previously thought to organize into a Category 2 or 3 hurricane, will likely only snap shallowly rooted trees, damage electrical lines, and damage house exteriors, according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
A Category 2 could potentially cause moderate damage to houses, while a Category 3 has the potential to cause extensive damage to small buildings.
What follows is a day-by-day set of forecasts of Isaac's movements. Please note that these forecasts are subject to change, depending on the behavior of the tropical storm.
Today, Isaac passes through south of Puerto Rico. Governor Luis Fortuno has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard. On Thursday night, Isaac is expected to near the coast of Hispaniola, which is located next to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The U.S. military is also evacuating non-essential staff from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Friday, Isaac reaches Hispaniola, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The storm will move west-northwest across the island that Hispaniola, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic share. This poses a particularly severe problem for Haiti, due to the enhanced risk of mudslides in the region.
Saturday, Cuba will confront the storm as Isaac is thought to weaken from a hurricane to a tropical storm once again as it moves over Cuba during both Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday, Tampa, Florida will get hit by Isaac "by Late Sunday or early Monday," as the storm returns to huricane strength (Category 1).
Monday, Isaac remains in Tampa, Florida during the Republican National Convention. Hurricane expert Jeff Masters only "put[s] the odds of an evacuation during the convention in the current situation at 3 percent." Tampa's Mayor Bob Buckhorn reassured CNN that the state was ready for whatever may come. "We're watching it. We're tracking it. I think we're going to be OK but we'll be prepared in the event that it heads this way," the Mayor said.
Tuesday, Isaac is predicted to move west of Tampa.
Be sure to regularly check the National Hurricane Center's site for new public advisories.
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