PEOPLE AND PLACES: Hurricane Isaac

Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana declare state of emergency as storm approaches
Isaac now a Category 1 hurricane after wind speeds reach 75mph
Hit New Orleans region late Tuesday night
53,000 people ordered to evacuate Louisiana; Alabama also enforcing evacuations
More than 4,000 National Guardsmen mobilised in Louisiana as storm looms
Forecasters fear the rain could be most damaging with waters around New Orleans rising by nine feet
Storm and floods battered Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, killing 22 people

After reaching Louisiana late Tuesday evening, Hurricane Isaac moved back out to sea - only to return to Louisiana shores around 2 am.

Isaac is slated to hit near Grand Isle, Louisiana, with winds of up to 100 mph, snapping trees and tearing down power lines.

The category 1 hurricane has already left nearly 165,000 homes and business thorough throughout Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama without power.

At midnight Tuesday, the hurricane had slowed to a forward speed of 7 mph. It was forecast to slow even further over the next day or two as it drifts over the southeastern coast of Louisiana before heading inland, according to an advisory from the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

While much less powerful than Katrina in 2005, the storm drew intense scrutiny because of its timing - just before the anniversary of the hurricane that devastated that city, while the first major speeches of the Republican National Convention went on in Tampa, Fla., already delayed and tempered by the storm.

Hurricane Isaac drenches Gulf Coast

Fire: Bay St. Louis, Miss., fireman David Stefano reacts as he and other first responders use an airboat to reach a house fire Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012

Course: This image provided by NOAA shows hurricane Isaac taken at 10:45 p.m. EDT Tuesday Aug. 28, 2012. Hurricane Isaac spun into the southern Louisiana coast late Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, sending floodwaters surging and unleashing fierce winds as residents hunkered down behind boarded-up windows.

Destruction: Timbers smolder after a fire gutted a house on stilts in a Bay St. Louis, Miss., neighborhood after rising storm waters from Isaac prevented firemen from responding quickly with their trucks Tuesday, Aug. 28

Storm: A couple, right, watches as waves break along the beach in Gulfport, Miss., as Isaac approaches while people sit on a bench, left, along the seawall on Lakeshore Drive along Lake Pontchartrain, as the storm approaches landfall, in New Orleans, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012

Warning: Waves from Hurricane Isaac smash against a warning sign at a flooded beach in Biloxi, Mississippi, on August 28, 2012

While many residents stayed put, evacuations were ordered in low-lying areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, where officials closed 12 shorefront casinos. One of the main concerns along the shoreline was storm surge, which occurs when hurricane winds raise sea levels off the coast, causing flooding on land.

A storm surge of 10.3 feet was reported at Shell Beach, Louisiana late Tuesday while a surge of 6.7 feet was reported in Waveland, Mississippi, the Hurricane Center said.

Ed Rappaport, the center's deputy director, said Isaac's core would pass west of New Orleans with winds close to 80 mph and head for Baton Rouge.

‘On this course, the hurricane will gradually weaken,’ Rappaport said. He said gusts could reach about 100 mph at times, especially at higher levels, which could damage high-rise buildings in New Orleans.

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As Isaac neared the city, there was little fear or panic. With New Orleans' airport closed, tourists retreated to hotels and most denizens of a coastline that has witnessed countless hurricanes decided to ride out the storm.

‘Isaac is the son of Abraham,’ said Margaret Thomas, who was trapped for a week in her home in New Orleans' Broadmoor neighborhood by Katrina's floodwaters, yet chose to stay put this time. ‘It's a special name that means `God will protect us'.’

Officials, chastened by memories and experience, advised caution.

‘We don't expect a Katrina-like event, but remember there are things about a Category 1 storm that can kill you,’ New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said, urging people to use common sense and to stay off any streets that may flood.

Wet: People make their way across Canal Street on August 28, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana

Prepared: A Louisiana National Guard humvee drives down Bourbon Street in the French Quarter as Hurricane Isaac approaches New Orleans, Louisiana, August 28, 2012

Tens of thousands of people were told to leave low-lying areas, including 700 patients of Louisiana nursing homes, but officials decided not to call for mass evacuations like those that preceded Katrina, which packed 135 mph winds in 2005.

Isaac also promised to test a New Orleans levee system bolstered after the catastrophic failures during Hurricane Katrina. But in a city that has already weathered Hurricane Gustav in 2008, calm prevailed.

‘I feel safe,’ said Pamela Young, who settled in to her home in the Lower 9th Ward - a neighborhood devastated by Katrina - with dog Princess and her television. ‘Everybody's talking `going, going,' but the thing is, when you go, there's no telling what will happen. The storm isn't going to just hit here.’

Young, who lives in a new, two-story home built to replace the one destroyed by Katrina, said she wasn't worried about the levees.

‘Just so you all know, the hurricane has hit landfall and I think we should take this moment and recognize that fellow Americans are in its path and just hope and pray that all remain safe and no life is lost and no property is lost.'

Ann Romney

‘If the wind isn't too rough, I can stay right here,’ she said, tapping on her wooden living room coffee table. ‘If the water comes up, I can go upstairs.’

While far less powerful than Katrina, Isaac posed similar political challenges, a reminder of how the storm seven years ago became a symbol of government ignorance and ineptitude.

Political fallout was already simmering. Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, who canceled his trip to the convention, said the Obama administration's disaster declaration fell short of the federal help he had requested, and asked for a promise to be reimbursed for storm preparation costs.

‘We learned from past experiences, you can't just wait. You've got to push the federal bureaucracy,’ Jindal said.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said such requests would be addressed after the storm.

Obama promised that Americans will help each other recover, ‘no matter what this storm brings.’

‘When disaster strikes, we're not Democrats or Republicans first, we are Americans first,’ Obama said at a campaign rally at Iowa State University. ‘We're one family. We help our neighbors in need.’

Crossing: People make their way across Canal Street on August 28, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana

Treacherous: Waves tear apart a pier along the Mobile Bay near Dauphin Island on Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Wave: People are swamped by wind pushed waves on the sea wall of Lake Pontchartrain in Baton Rouge, La. Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012

In Tampa, the storm's landfall did not appear to affect prime-time coverage or the Republican National Convention speeches. One of the few mentions of the storm came in the opening remarks by Ann Romney, wife of the Republican nominee.

Outside, though, the streets of downtown Tampa were eerily deserted, a result of nasty weather from Isaac's outer bands, tight securities that blocked off streets and a delay in convention events because of fears the storm might target that side of the Gulf.

While politicians from both parties were careful to show their concern for those in the storm's path, Gulf residents and visitors tried to make the best of the situation on the ground.

In New Orleans' French Quarter, Hyatt hotel employee Nazareth Joseph braced for a busy week and fat overtime paychecks. Joseph said he was trapped in the city for several days after Katrina and helped neighbors escape the floodwaters.

‘We made it through Katrina; we can definitely make it through this. It's going to take a lot more to run me. I know how to survive,’ he said.

Maureen McDonald of Long Beach, Ind., strolled the French Quarter on her 80th birthday wearing a poncho, accompanied by family who traveled from three different cities to meet her in New Orleans to celebrate.

‘The storm hasn't slowed us down. We're having the best time,’ she said.

But farther east along the Gulf, veterans of past hurricanes made sure to take precautions.

At a highway rest stop along Alabama's I-10, Bonnie Schertler, 54, of Waveland, Miss., said she left her coastal home for her father's place in Alabama ‘because of the `coulds.'‘

Empty: Bourbon Street - one of New Orleans' busiest hubs of activity - was virtually empty as residents prepared for the looming storm

Stock Up: Brigette Mooney shops for two-for-one frozen items at Seal's Marketplace on August 28, 2012 in Kiln, Mississippi. Store owner Michael Seal said he put all his frozen items on sale, both for the benefit of his local clients and also to reduce his stock ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Isaac to the Gulf Coast area and possible power outages

‘I just feel like the storm may stay for a few days and that wind might just pound and pound and pound and pound,’ said Schertler, whose former home in Waveland was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. A slow storm is more dangerous, she said, ‘'cause it can knock down just virtually everything if it just hovers forever.’

Local officials, who imposed curfews in Mississippi's Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties. And in Theodore, Ala., 148 people took refuge in a shelter at the town's high school by midday Tuesday, with minds focused as much on the past as on the present storm.

Charlotte McCrary, 41, at the shelter with husband, Bryan, and their two sons, 3-year-old Tristan and 1-year-old Gabriel, recalled the year she spent living in a FEMA trailer after Katrina destroyed her home.

Seven years later, the storm reminds her that she still hasn't gotten back to same place.

‘I think what it is,’ Bryan McCrary said, ‘is it brings back a lot of bad memories.’

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says the storm's center reached land at 6:45 p.m. in Plaquemines Parish, about 90 miles southeast of New Orleans.

Brandishing automatic assault rifles to ward off any threat of looting, the troops in military vehicles took up positions on mostly deserted streets. Their arrival came as driving rain and stiff winds battered the city's famous tourist district, The French Quarter, and its boarded-up storefronts.

White-capped waves formed in Lake Pontchartrain.

Earlier, the Army Corps of Engineers closed for the first time the massive new floodgate on the largest storm-surge barrier in the world, at Lake Borgne, east of New Orleans. In other preparations, oil production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico nearly ground to a halt, and ports and coastal refineries curtailed operations as Isaac neared.

Hope: A board covering a store window in the French Quarter asks shoppers to return again after Wednesday - the day Isaac is expected to hit the city

Preparations: The Royal Sonesta Hotel (left) and this French Quarter home (right) boarded up their windows on Monday. Isaac is expected to hit ground exactly seven years to the day of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with winds of up to 80 mph

Getting ready: Stacey Davis, left, and his son board up windows on their New Orleans home on Tuesday

At 5 p.m. CDT (2200 GMT), the Hurricane Center said Isaac was centered about 105 miles southeast of New Orleans with top sustained winds of 80 miles per hour.

The storm, becoming better organized as it nears land, was traveling at a relatively slow 8 mph. That pace is a concern for people in its path since slow-moving cyclones can bring higher rainfall totals.

Isaac was about 370 miles wide and due to make landfall at the mouth of the Mississippi River within the hour. Heavy rains and big storm surges were also forecast for parts of Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.

Isaac spared Tampa, Florida, where the Republican National Convention began on Monday. But it forced party leaders to revamp their schedule. They may have to make further revisions so as not to be seen celebrating Mitt Romney's presidential nomination while Gulf Coast residents struggle through the storm.

President Barack Obama urged Gulf Coast residents to take cover and heed warning, saying, Now was 'not the time to tempt fate.' He issued emergency declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi earlier this week because of Isaac.

The president's stern warning comes as terrified New Orleans residents fear a repeat of the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina after Isaac, which has now been declared a Category 1 hurricane, veers towards the Louisiana city.

Shop owners last night boarded up their businesses and the streets of the normally-bustling French Quarter are now eerily empty amid preparations for winds of over 100mph, which are predicted to hit the Gulf coast either this evening or tomorrow morning.

Although, the storm is currently generating surface gusts of 75mph, forecasters believe Isaac could pick up wind speed before it hits land in the same spot as Katrina, meaning roofs could be plucked from homes and cause extensive power outages in the city.

Few remaining: Some stayed in the city even though a hurricane warning has been issued for parts of the state east of Morgan City, which includes New Orleans area. A hurricane hasn¿t hit the Gulf Coast since Ike in 2008

But forecasters fear the greatest threat to the city will be the storm's onslaught of rain. Around New Orleans and Biloxi, Mississippi water could rise as high as six to nine feet, while coastal areas could be punished with up to 20 inches of rain, they said.

Hurricane warnings also extend across 280 miles from Morgan City, Louisiana to the Florida-Alabama state line. It is likely to to touch down seven years to the day that the 2005 disaster destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes, displaced a million people and left nearly 2,000 dead.

More than 50,000 Louisiana residents have been ordered to evacuate as Isaac, which has already ravaged parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, picks up strength. A hurricane hasn’t hit the Gulf Coast since Ike in 2008.

Governor Bobby Jindal suggested anyone in low-lying parts of the state's coastal parishes leave their homes, while evacuations were also enforced in the lower areas of the Alabama coast, which faces flooding. In addition, 2,000 jail inmates have been moved out of Isaac's expected pat in Louisiana.

The next 24 hours would determine whether it brought the usual punishing rains and winds - or something even more destructive. Maps of the two storms' predicted paths highlight their similarities, with Isaac set to strike in almost exactly the same spot as Katrina.

Warning: President Obama, speaking from the Diplomatic Room of the White House, told residents to heed authorities' warnings about the storm

Gathering: A satellite image from Tuesday morning shows the storm moving northwest to the Gulf Coast

Monster storm: A European Space Agency camera captures the storm as it passes Florida with maximum sustained winds of 100mph

On its way: A map, left, released on Monday shows the predicted path of Isaac, which is expected to hit Louisiana late on Tuesday night before sweeping north later this week. Its path can be compared to that of Hurricane Katrina's, right, which left nearly 2,000 people dead in 2005

Fortunately, Isaac, which is building up power as it picks up water over the Gulf, does not yet pack the deadly punch of Katrina, a Category 5 hurricane, with winds of over 157 mph. Forecasters initially said Isaac was going to become a Category 2, but now indicate it will not strengthen past Category 1.

In contrast, Katrina made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane and created a huge storm surge that burst the levees, causing wide scale flooding .

Last night Federal Emergency Management Agency officials insisted that the updated levees around the city are equipped to handle storms stronger than Isaac. Levee failures led to the catastrophic flooding in the area after Katrina.

'It's a much more robust system than what it was when Katrina came ashore,' said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

After Katrina, a $14.5 billion flood defense system of walls, floodgates, levees and pumps was built to protect the city against a massive tidal surge like the one that swamped the city following the monster storm.

The floodgate that closed on Tuesday is 26 feet (8 meters) high and 1.8 miles (2.9 km) long, and was designed to prevent the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal from breaching its walls, as it did in 2005.

Heading out: One-year-old Jaden Fabian is strapped into her car seat by Estanislao Fabian as her family evacuates their home in Oakville, Louisiana

Leaving home: The one-year-old girl cries in her car seat as her family piles their belongings into their car as the tropical storm barrels towards the coast

Getting out: Rosemary Cortes picks up Jaden as they leave their home, left, while John Rockwell makes final preparations with his dog Hot Rod to leave New Orleans

Wreck: A damaged neighbourhood of in Vero Beach, Florida after a suspected tornado was caused by Tropical Storm Isaac

Damage: Residents talk after a suspected tornado hit Vero Beach, Florida

'It is difficult to realise that to the day - seven years after Katrina - another hurricane is headed our way,' Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant said. 'It is important for Mississippians to take this storm seriously and prepare for potential impact.'

In New Orleans, officials had no plans to order evacuations and instead told residents to hunker down and make do with the supplies they had.

'It's going to be all right,' said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Isaac shifted West into the Gulf of Mexico after lashing the Florida Keys with strong winds and heavy rain over the weekend, causing Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana to declare a state of emergency.

On Tuesday afternoon, Isaac was centered about 75 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River and was moving northwest at 10 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. By 2 p.m. it was 135 miles southeast of New Orleans.

The crawling speed of 10 mph is a concern for people in the path of the storm since slow-moving cyclones can bring higher rainfall totals. The storm was about 370 miles wide.

Waiting it out: Teresa Ragas, left, and her husband Bertrand Ragas, of Port Sulphur, Louisiana, lie side-by-side in cots at an evacuation shelter in Belle Chasse before Isaac hits

Hopes: Dr. Elberta Jackson prays in her cot at the Belle Chase Auditorium shelter as Hurricane Isaac bears down on the Louisiana coast

Not alone: Wilbert Williams of Bootheville, Louisiana sits and waits at the Belle Chase Auditorium shelter as the storm gathers strength before hitting the coast

Passing the hours: Five-year-old Jaylon Ragus, from Davant, Louisiana, plays with a device in the evacuation centre, where he is staying with his family

Submerged: The Waterfront Seafood company is flooded in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Forecasters have said they fear the onslaught of rain more than the wind as Isaac hits

Some Gulf residents started stocking up on supplies and securing their homes. In New Orleans, long lines formed at some gas stations and in Gulfport, Mississippi, people crowded supermarkets to buy bottled water and canned food.

'I sense a high level of anxiety,' said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. 'The timing, as fate would have it, on the anniversary of Katrina has everybody in a state of alertness, but that is a good thing.'

Despite hurricane warnings extending more than 330 miles from Louisiana to Western Florida, the greatest test will be for New Orleans. Louisiana has set up shelters and stockpiled more than a million packaged meals, 1.4 million bottles of water and 17,000 tarps.

Jindal said more than 4,000 National Guardsmen will be mobilized in case of emergency. He added that President Obama called him on Monday to say that the governor's request for a pre-landfall federal disaster declaration had been approved, which would provide federal funding for any damage.

'We are going to need help after the storm as well,' Jindal said. 'This is not going to be done just after the storm makes landfall or even just after the storm leaves Louisiana.'

Brandishing automatic assault rifles troops in military vehicles took up positions on mostly deserted streets in New Orleans, keeping an eye out for potential looters.

Getting ready: Aunt Sally's Creole Pralines' storefront is boarded up in the historic French Quarter in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac in New Orleans

Fighters: The famous Cafe Du Monde is open for a day of business in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans as Isaac approaches

Escape: A line of traffic extends down Interstate 10 heading towards Baton Rouge as residents leave the New Orleans area

Warning: New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, at podium, says the city is ready to face Tropical Storm Isaac during an emergency press conference yesterday

Natural shower: A woman enjoys the a heavy rain in Tampa as Isaac causes downpours ahead of the Republican National Convention in the city

Predicting a storm: Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center, right, checks on the status of Tropical Storm Isaac as James Franklin, chief hurricane specialist, looks on at the National Hurricane Center in Miami on Tuesday

Preparations: Workers fill Hesco baskets at a flood wall at Route 23, in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana

ISAAC: PUSHING UP GAS PRICES

As Tropical Storm Isaac barrels towards the Gulf Coast, energy companies have scrambled to evacuate workers from oil and natural gas platforms, bringing production to a halt.

The Gulf accounts for more than 20 per cent of U.S. oil production and more than 40 per cent of refining. Experts estimate a 75 per cent to 90 per cent shut down of production.

As plants close, it could send gasoline prices spiking across the country just ahead of the U.S. Labor Day holiday, analysts believe.

The average price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florida has already risen 9 cents to $3.75. Across the country, gas has increased an average of 3 cents per gallon to $3.73 per gallon in the last week.

AAA motorist group told the Orlando Business Journal that it's too early to tell just how long Isaac will delay Gulf oil production - but the precautionary shutdowns are have already caused a loss of 2 to 3 million barrels of oil.

Isaac's westward track meant the worst of its weather will miss Tampa, where the Republican National Convention was expected to open its four-day meeting on Monday but official events were delayed until Tuesday because of the storm.

The storm's potential for destruction was not lost on Alabama farmer Bert Driskell, who raises peanuts, cotton, wheat, cattle and sod on several thousand acres near Grand Bay, in Mobile County. 'We don't need a lot of water this close to harvest,' Driskell said.

But a lot of other residents were relaxed about the looming storm.

'I'm not all that concerned about the storm. It's still a Category 1,' Charles Neeley, a 69-year-old contractor overseeing workers covering the windows of a CVS drugstore in New Orleans, said. 'We usually ride out ones and twos and get the hell out for threes and fours.'

Nonetheless, Neeley said he had stocked up on food and water at home and fuel for his generator.

'Our flights were canceled so we're going to be here,' said Karen Foley, a 23-year-old tourist who had planned to travel home to New Jersey with a friend. 'We are just hoping the city doesn't get hit again. It doesn't deserve it.'

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said there are no flights scheduled for Tuesday and the airport will not be used as an evacuation shelter. People will not be allowed to stay in the terminal during the storm, the airport said in a statement Monday, ABC reported.

In south Florida, winds from Isaac forced cancellations of hundreds of flights in and out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other south Florida airports across the weekend. Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez reported more than 500 cancellations affecting Miami International Airport alone.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the northern Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle on Sunday.

On patrol: National Guard patrol in front of the Tampa Bay Times Forum ahead of the Republican National Convention - it has been delayed due to tropical storm Isaac

Warning signs: A man walks along along the Tampa Bay waterfront today in St Petersburg, Florida as storm clouds gathered

Making waves: Michael Harper walks along the sea wall at Spa Beach in St. Petersburg on Monday morning

Wet and windy: Rain battered downtown Key West as Isaac moved over the island on Sunday

Strong surf: Waves batter Havana's seafront following the passage of Isaac as winds reached 50 mph

Tropical force winds from the massive storm stretched across 400 miles (644 km), with rain bands extending even further, said NHC meteorologist David Zelinsky. It means Isaac could cause significant damage even in places where it does not pass directly overhead.

'It certainly is a large storm,' he said, noting that wind gusts of 60 mph (100 kph) had been detected as far apart as Key West and Palm Beach.

The storm will likely pick up strength from the warm, open waters of the Gulf of Mexico and strike as a dangerous Category 2 hurricane somewhere between New Orleans and the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday.

Isaac has brought havoc to the Caribbean already, killing at 22 people in Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic and downing trees and power lines.

There were scattered power outages from Key West to Fort Lauderdale affecting more than 6,000 customers, and flooding occurred in low-lying areas.

It had officials worried enough in Tampa that they shuffled around some plans for the Republican National Convention, cancelling the first day of the event.

Murky: John Hassell walks his dog on Monday morning as wind howls across Tampa bay

Courage: Victoria Balladares and boyfriend Jose Requejo experience the rain at Miami Beach as Tropical Storm Isaac hits the area

Getting out: Workers move horses into trailers at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots after a mandatory evacuation of the animals was issued by the New Orleans track

Wet rally: Protesters get drenched yesterday during the National Republican Convention in downtown Tampa

Wall of steel: Riot police create a cordon to stop protesters rushing towards the convention centre in Tampa, Florida

HURRICANE KATRINA: CLEANING UP THE DEVASTATION

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina lashed New Orleans, wiping out hundreds of thousands of homes, submerging 80 per cent of the city in flood water and leading to the deaths of 1,836 people.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) was lambasted for its slow response and the chaos following the disaster. Even though workers were in the region, many could not give direct assistance and could only report on the situation. They were overwhelmed by the sheer number of victims and their communication and transportation struggled with the severe flooding. Within three days, National Guard and active duty troops were sent to the area.

More than one million people left the region due to the destruction and the devastated economy, making it the largest displacement in U.S. history.

The government sought $105 billion for reconstruction and repairs for the region. A week after the hurricane, power began surging back, service relief ships began docking and water and sewage was gradually restored.

While some were slow to arrive, relief agencies eventually swarmed New Orleans and remained for months following the disaster. Two months after the hurricane, charities like the Red Cross were a mainstay - setting up relief centers around the city that provided hot meals, food, bottled water and other supplies like diapers. Volunteers, from groups such as Habitat for Humanity, helped repair homes.

For years following the disaster, debris was removed and homes were rebuilt, but the population still remains around two thirds of what it was before the hurricane struck.

'Our first priority is ensuring the safety of delegates, alternates, guests, members of the media attending the Republican National Convention, and citizens of the Tampa Bay area,' party chairman Reince Priebus said in an emailed announcement that followed private conversations involving presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign, security officials and others.

Nearly $20million was spent to prepare the scene for the political pow wow, with up to 300 people working round the clock to refurbish the venue, home to the Tampa Bay Storm arena football team and the town’s NHL team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Forecast models show Isaac won't hit Tampa head-on, but the storm will still likely lash the city with rain and strong winds just as the convention ramps up. Protests started in full force on Sunday afternoon, and demonstrators have vowed that they will make their presence known rain or shine.

Former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney will officially be nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate on Tuesday, one day later than originally planned.

His nationally-televised acceptance speech will be on Thursday night as originally planned.

Tuesday evening's program includes remarks by Ann Romney, the candidate's wife, as well as by New Jersey Gov Chris Christie, previously announced as the keynote speaker.

Ryan will deliver his acceptance speech Wednesday evening in prime time in the eastern part of the United States, and Romney's speech dominates the final night.

Donald Trump, who was originally scheduled to speak on Monday, was dropped from the program altogether in the weather-related reshuffling.

Other top Republicans are thinking about skipping out on the convention as Isaac approaches. Among them is Louisiana Gov Bobby Jindal, who earlier on Sunday declared a state of emergency for the Bayou State, and declared that he would not leave if it was hit by Isaac.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has canceled his trip to the convention because of Isaac, and Florida Gov. Rick Scott also gave up his speaking engagement.

Officials were handing out sandbags to residents in the Tampa area, which often floods when heavy rainstorms hit. Sandbags also were being handed out in Homestead, 20 years after Hurricane Andrew devastated the community there. Otherwise, however, convention preparations were moving ahead as usual.

Oil companies scrambled out of the path of Tropical Storm Isaac, withdrawing offshore workers and cutting oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico.

By mid-day Sunday, the U.S. government said that daily oil production in the Gulf was down 24 per cent and natural gas production was off 8 per cent.

Noting that the storm was moving west and threatening to grow more powerful, energy giant BP evacuated all its installations and temporarily halted production in the Gulf Sunday.

Earlier, it had pulled workers from its massive Thunder Horse platform in the eastern Gulf.

Royal Dutch Shell is withdrawing all workers and suspending production in the eastern Gulf. It is pulling out all but essential personnel and cutting production in the central Gulf.

Apache Corp., a Houston oil services company, is withdrawing 750 workers and contractors from its installations in the eastern Gulf. It is also cutting production of oil and natural gas.

Other energy companies have also been evacuating their platforms and rigs in the Gulf. Murphy Oil Corp., based in El Dorado, Arkansas, said Sunday that it is pulling out all workers and suspending operations in the Gulf.

Get ready: Shoppers clear out at supermarket of bottled water in Miami, Florida as the state prepared for a category-two hurricane

Final preparations: Tampa residents were making final preparations for the arrival of Tropical Storm Issac by filling sandbags at a Hillsborough County Public Works Service Center

Storm supplies: Danny Terrell, left, purchases storm supplies including bottled water and charcoal while John Handzus, right, makes sure he has enough gas before Isaac's expected touchdown on Tuesday

Filling up: Tampa residents wait to fill up their cars before the storm hits; Isaac is forecasted to make hit land on Tuesday night

The storm could spur short-term shut-downs of 43 per cent of U.S. offshore oil capacity and 38 per cent of its natural gas output, according to forecasters at Weather Insight.

Isaac has already left a trail of suffering across the Caribbean.

The tropical storm bore down on Haiti's southern peninsula and on Cuba on Saturday, leading to 22 deaths and dumping torrential rain on a nation still trying to recover from the horrific 2010 earthquake.

Isaac's rain and winds lashed Haiti's southern coast on Saturday, flooding parts of the capital Port-au-Prince and ripping through flimsy resettlement camps that house more than 350,000 survivors of the 2010 earthquake.

A 10-year-old girl was killed in Port-au-Prince when a wall fell on her and a woman in the southern coastal city of Jacmel was crushed to death when a tree fell on her house, government officials said.

At a tent camp in the seaside slum of Cite Soleil, corrugated plastic shacks were broken apart and water gushed in.

'We had never seen anything like this. Everyone fled to the church, but I didn't want to leave my home. All my things are wet,' said Edeline Trevil, 47, who survived with her cat. 'I'm cold! I've been wet since last night,' the shoeless woman added.

Lashed with rain: Two young boys walk down a flooded street in Jaquimeyes town, Dominican Republic on Saturday after the pass of Isaac led to downpours

Support: A resident receives aid from International Organization for Migration in a camp for displaced people in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti as clean-up efforts begin following the storm

Struggle: Residents wade through a flooded street triggered by Isaac in Port-au-Prince on Saturday

Aftermath: A woman wades through floodwaters in Port au Prince. Tropical Storm Isaac emerged over warm Caribbean waters on Saturday and dumped torrential rains on Haiti

The storm caused power outages and flooding and blew off roofs as it moved across the hilly and severely deforested Caribbean country. Winds had died down by Saturday afternoon but forecasters said rains would continue in Haiti.

Damage had so far been less than feared, said George Ngwa, Haiti spokesman for the United Nations Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

'We don't have any serious reports of major flooding or mudslides so far,' he said.

In Haiti, the United Nations mission said it was prepared to distribute food and emergency supplies for more than 300,000 people, and 10,000 U.N. troops, including several engineering units, stood ready to clear roads for emergency response teams.

The government and aid groups tried to evacuate thousands of tent camp dwellers on Friday but many Haitians chose to remain in their flimsy, makeshift homes, apparently fearing they would be robbed, said Bradley Mellicker, head of disaster management for the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe urged people to avoid crossing rivers and to stay calm, saying 'panic creates more problems.'

He said the government had set aside about $50,000 in emergency funds and had buses and 32 boats on standby for evacuations.

Preparations: Soldiers and civilians unload mattresses and bed frames to a shelter as they prepare for the arrival of Tropical Storm Isaac in Siboney, Cuba, yesterday

Stand your ground: Residents of a camp for displaced people of the 2010 Haiti earthquake voluntarily remain in their camp homes as tropical Storm Isaac bears down on Port au Prince

Looking on the bright side: People gather and dance as they take cover from heavy rain while Tropical Storm Isaac approaches in Barahona, in the Dominican Republic

Flashback: The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 in which a million people were left homeless after devastating flooding in New Orleans

About 400,000 people remain in settlement camps comprised of shacks and tarps in the wake of Haiti's devastating 2010 earthquake.

In Port-au-Prince, a city of some 3 million ringed by mountains, people went to work as usual Friday, but commercial banks closed at noon and some residents took precautions as the sky darkened, rain fell and the wind picked up.

'Just in case this gets very bad - the sky is turning gray - I'm making sure we have enough food in the house,' said 25-year-old Joanne Dorville as she carried home rice, sardines, black beans and cooking oil that she had purchased in a street market.

Hurricane Isaac sidestepped New Orleans on Wednesday, sending the worst of its howling wind and heavy rain into a cluster of rural fishing villages that had few defenses against the slow-moving storm that could bring days of unending rain.
Isaac arrived exactly seven years after Hurricane Katrina and passed slightly to the west of New Orleans, where the city’s fortified levee system easily handled the assault.
The city’s biggest problems seemed to be downed power lines, scattered tree limbs and minor flooding. One person was reported killed, compared with 1,800 deaths from Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi. And police reported few problems with looting. Mayor Mitch Landrieu ordered a dusk-to-dawn curfew just to be sure.
In Plaquemines Parish, a sparsely populated area south of the city that is outside the federal levee system, dozens of people were stranded in flooded coastal areas. The storm pushed water over an 18-mile levee and put so much pressure on it that authorities said they will breach the floodwall to relieve the strain. (AP)

The staircase for a home now lies smashed in the sands in front of the structure Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012 on Dauphin Island, Ala. after Hurricane Isaac's landfall in Louisiana. (AP Photo/Press-Register, G.M. Andrews) #

Hurricane Isaac is seen churning in the Gulf of Mexico in this NASA handout satellite image taken on August 28, 2012. REUTERS/NASA/LANCE/EOSDIS Rapid Response/Handout #

Storm surge from Hurricane Isaac floods Jones Park in Gulfport, Mississippi, on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. (Tim Isbell/Biloxi Sun Herald/MCT) #

A Bay St. Louis, Mississippi fire department truck drives down Miss. 603 during Hurricane Isaac on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. (John Fitzhugh/Biloxi Sun Herald/MCT) #

Rescue operations are hampered by hurricane force winds and rain near the town of Braithwaite, Louisiana, where dozens of people are stranded due to high flood waters amid Hurricane Isaac on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/MCT) #

Rescue operations are under way in the town of Braithwaite, Louisiana, where dozens of people are stranded due to high flood waters amid Hurricane Isaac on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/MCT) #

Three men sit on a bench at the edge of Lake Pontchartrain as Hurricane Isaac approaches on August 28, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hurricane Isaac is expected to make landfall later today along the Louisiana coast. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

Members of the National Guard stand duty in the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, as Hurricane Isaac comes ashore on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/MCT) #

Hurricane Isaac brings flood waters onto a road as it comes ashore in Gulfport, Miss., Aug. 29, 2012. The hurricane hovered over the Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning, punishing southeast Louisiana with wind gusts of 80 mph, horizontal rain and the threat of calamitous flooding. (Brendan Hoffman/The New York Times) #

Water washes over the West Side Pier as Hurricane Isaac makes landfall in Gulfport, Miss., Aug. 29, 2012. The hurricane hovered over the Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning, punishing southeast Louisiana with wind gusts of 80 mph, horizontal rain and the threat of calamitous flooding. (Brendan Hoffman/The New York Times) #

Heavy rain from Hurricane Isaac obscures the view of the Crescent City Connection Bridge over the Mississippi River early on August 29, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

Shrimp boats are secured in an inland canal in Gulfport, Miss., Aug. 29, 2012. Hurricane Isaac hovered over the Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning, punishing southeast Louisiana with wind gusts of 75 mph, horizontal rain and the threat of calamitous flooding. (Brendan Hoffman/The New York Times) #

A house at the corner of N. Miro and Columbus Streets in New Orleans collapsed during the height of the Hurricane Isaac destroying three vehicles that where parked alongside it, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/The Times-Picayune, David Grunfeld) #

A car drives down Canal Street during Hurricane Isaac on August 29, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Category 1 hurricane is slowly moving across southeast Louisiana, dumping large amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

A pedestrian walks through the rain of Hurricane Isaac on August 29, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Category 1 hurricane is slowly moving across southeast Louisiana, dumping large amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

Rain from Hurricane Isaac falls over Bourbon Street on August 29, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Category 1 hurricane is slowly moving across southeast Louisiana, dumping large amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

Carlo Maltese and his dog Pin ride in a boat after being rescued from his flooded home as Hurricane Isaac hits Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Braithwaite, La. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) #

People rest in a rescue truck atop a levee next to floodwaters after being rescued in Plaquemines Parish on August 29, 2012 in Braithwaite, Louisiana. Dozens were reportedly rescued in the area after levees were overtopped by floodwaters from Hurricane Isaac. Today is the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Rescue workers look out at floodwaters from a levee on August 29, 2012 in Braithwaite, Louisiana. Dozens were reportedly rescued in the area in Plaquemines Parish after levees were overtopped by floodwaters from Hurricane Isaac. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

A street sign lies near floodwaters during Hurricane Isaac on August 29, 2012 in Braithwaite, Louisiana. Dozens were reportedly rescued in the area after levees were overtopped by floodwaters from Hurricane Isaac. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

A park bench moved by waves from Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Aug. 29, 2012. Hurricane Isaac hovered over the Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning, punishing southeast Louisiana with wind gusts of 75 mph, horizontal rain and the threat of calamitous flooding. (William Widmer/The New York Times) #

Rescue workers transport residents trapped by rising water from Hurricane Isaac in the River Forest subdivision on August 29, 2012 in LaPlace, Louisiana. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

Water flows out of the new 17th Street Canal pumping station as Hurricane Isaac hits Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in New Orleans. As Isaac made landfall, it was expected to dump as much as 20 inches of rain in several parts of Louisiana. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) #

A car sits submerged in the flood waters of Hurricane Isaac in the River Forest subdivision on August 29, 2012 in LaPlace, Louisiana. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

Henry Cox pulls his boat through deep water while rescuing residents from the flood waters of Hurricane Isaac in the River Forest subdivision on August 29, 2012 in LaPlace, Louisiana. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

(L - R) Leroy, Lisa and Christopher Smith sit in a boat after being pulled from the rising flood waters by Len Arturi (top) during Hurricane Isaac in the River Forest subdivision on August 29, 2012 in LaPlace, Louisiana. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

Christopher Smith rides in a boat after being rescued from the rising flood water from Hurricane Isaac in the River Forest subdivision on August 29, 2012 in LaPlace, Louisiana. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

Henry Cox drives his boat while rescuing residents from the flood waters of Hurricane Isaac in the River Forest subdivision on August 29, 2012 in LaPlace, Louisiana The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

Hurricane Isaac caused wide spread flooding in LaPlace, Louisiana sending Kaelen Washington, 7, front, Nadi Hart holding Madison Picou, 1, and Kiana Washington to flee their home. The family members were at a shelter waiting to see if friends could put them up for the night. The state sent scores of buses and dozens of high-water vehicles to help evacuate about 3,000 people from St. John the Baptist Parish after Tropical Storm Isaac pushed water from lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas into parts of LaPlace. (AP Photo/Arthur D. Lauck, The Advocate) #

Residents of the Cambridge Neighborhood of LaPlace Louisiana flee rising flood waters associated with Hurricane Isaac Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012. The state sent scores of buses and dozens of high-water vehicles to help evacuate about 3,000 people from St. John the Baptist Parish after Tropical Storm Isaac pushed water from lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas into parts of LaPlace. (AP Photo/Arthur D. Lauck, The Advocate) #

Residents of the Riverbend Nursing Center wait to be evacuated to higher and safer ground as Hurricane Isaac makes landfall, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Jesuit Bend, La. Plaquemines Parish ordered a mandatory evacuation for the west bank of the Mississippi below Belle Chasse because of worries about a storm surge. The order affected about 3,000 people, including residents of the nursing home. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) #

An uprooted and fallen tree is positioned in front of a house blocking a road in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 29, 2012, as Hurricane Isaac battered the city and surrounding region, flooding homes and driving stormy waters over the top of at least one levee, seven years to the day after Katrina devastated the city. Packing vicious winds of 80 miles (130 kilometers) per hour and rolling slowly over Louisiana, Isaac has dumped huge quantities of rain on the renowned US jazz city as residents cowered in their homes. AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN #

Sand bags block the entrance to a Wells Fargo bank in Mobile, Ala. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. Hurricane Isaac has dumped more than five inches of rain on the Alabama coast and knocked out power to some residents, but it hasn't interrupted the everyday life of others. Residents of Dauphin Island lost power, but they also escaped the worst of Isaac. The weather service reports wind gusts of 47 mph.(AP Photo/Butch Dill) #

Evan Stoudt faces strong winds while visiting the banks of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans on August 28, 2012 in Louisiana, where Hurricane Isaac has made landfall. The US National Hurricane Center said a "dangerous storm surge" was occurring along the northern Gulf Coast with storm surges of up to eight feet (2.4 meters) already being reported in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida. States of emergency have been declared in Louisiana and Mississippi, allowing authorities to coordinate disaster relief and seek emergency federal funds. AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN #

A downed tree sits in the parking lot of Dr. David Richardson in Gulfport, Mississippi, on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, as Hurricane Isaac comes ashore. (Tim Isbell/Biloxi Sun Herald/MCT) #

Errol Ragas drives past storm damage to retrieve items from his home as rising waters from Hurricane Isaac flood his neighborhood on August 29, 2012 in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The parish, south of New Orleans, was the most heavily damaged by the hurricane. The system, which was downgraded to a tropical storm by the National Weather Service, moved slowly across the state, dumping large amounts of rain and knocking out power to half a million Louisianans. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

Errol Ragas salvages blankets from his home as rising waters from Hurricane Isaac flood his neighborhood on August 29, 2012 in Oakville, in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The parish, south of New Orleans, was the most heavily damaged by the hurricane. The system, which was downgraded to a tropical storm by the National Weather Service, moved slowly across the state, dumping large amounts of rain and knocking out power to half a million Louisianans. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

Errol Ragas walks past a cemetery to recover dry blankets from his home as rising waters from Hurricane Isaac flood his neighborhood on August 29, 2012 in Oakville, in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The parish, south of New Orleans, was the most heavily damaged by the hurricane. The system, which was downgraded to a tropical storm by the National Weather Service, moved slowly across the state, dumping large amounts of rain and knocking out power to half a million Louisianans. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

Errol Ragas walks past a flooded cemetery while recovering dry blankets from his home on August 29, 2012 in Oakville, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The parish, south of New Orleans, was the most heavily damaged by Hurricane Isaac. The system, which was downgraded to a tropical storm by the National Weather Service, moved slowly across the state, dumping large amounts of rain and knocking out power to half a million Louisianans. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

A levee holds back the Mississippi River on August 29, 2012 in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The parish, south of New Orleans, was the most heavily damaged by the hurricane. The system, which was downgraded to a tropical storm by the National Weather Service, moved slowly across the state, dumping large amounts of rain and knocking out power to half a million Louisianans. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

People gather beneath an awning at an impromptu cookout at a bar that lost electricity during Hurricane Isaac on August 29, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

The remnants of a damaged home that was under construction when it was reportedly destroyed by a tornado spawned by Tropical Storm Isaac are seen beyond a foundation of a home that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, in Gulfport, Miss., Aug. 30, 2012. The storm's once fierce winds slowed to 45 mph on Thursday morning as it finally moved out of southern Louisiana and headed north while continuing to bring heavy rains and flooding along its path. (Brendan Hoffman/The New York Times) #

A woman is stranded with her truck in floodwaters from Hurricane Isaac on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

A resident evacuates from flooding from Hurricane Isaac's storm surge on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Residents evacuate from flooding from Hurricane Isaac's storm surge on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Joshua Barbot paddles to rescue family members in his boat on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Joshua Barbot moves a log while preparing to rescue family members in his boat on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. Hurricane Isaac storm surge caused flooding in Slidell this morning on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Joshua Barbot (BACK) rescues family members (L to R) Christie, Ethan and Larry Trumbaturi from their flooded home in his boat on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. Hurricane Isaac storm surge caused flooding in Slidell this morning on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

A man (2nd L) rescued from floodwaters from Hurricane Isaac storm surge is assisted on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Brittany Trumbaturi (C) prepares to leave her flooded home with family member Joshua Barbot (REAR) who came to rescue family members in a boat on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Kylie Trumbaturi (L) and her sister Brittany depart their flooded home with family member Joshua Barbot (C) who came to rescue family members in a boat on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

A Slidell Police Department SWAT vehicle searches for people stranded by flooding from Hurricane Isaac storm surge on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Bowman family members depart a rescue vehicle after being rescued from flooding from Hurricane Isaac's storm surge on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Level 1 hurricane slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Residents carry pillows and blankets while evacuating an area of rising waters from Hurricane Isaac on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana in St. Tammany Parish. Although the weather system, now downgraded to a tropical storm, had moved north, heavy rains flooded Bayou Pattasat, which backed up into the town north of New Orleans. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

Angelina Jordan holds her mother's hand after they were rescued in a Slidell Police Department SWAT vehicle from flooding from Hurricane Isaac's storm surge on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain on August 30, 2012 in Slidell, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) #

Broken telephone poles lie on the highway next to a McDonald's Corp, Rally's Hamburgers Inc. and Panda Express Inc. restaurants which remained closed due to Hurricane Isaac in Gretna, Louisiana, U.S., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Heavy rain and flooding spread inland from Tropical Storm Isaac as rising water forced evacuations in coastal areas of southeast Louisiana. Photographer: Derick E. Hingle/Bloomberg #

A flooded street in the Indigo Lakes subdivision from Hurricane Isaac on August 30, 2012 in LaPlace, Louisiana. The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

A Kenner Police boat looks for stranded residents from flood water that came on shore from Lake Pontratrain during Hurricane Isaac near the Indigo Lakes subdivsion on August 30, 2012 in LaPlace, Louisiana.The large Category 1 hurricane had slowly moved across southeast Louisiana, dumping huge amounts of rain and knocking out power to Louisianans in scattered parts of the state. The weather system has now been downgraded to a tropical storm but is still producing heavy rains and flooding as it moves north. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) #

Children wait to enter a flood shelter set up at the Kentwood High School on August 30, 2012 in Kentwood, Louisiana. Hundreds of local residents evacuated to the shelter after officials announced that a dam upstream in Mississippi was in danger of bursting due to rains from Hurricane Isaac. Tens of thousands of residents were asked to evacuate the area due to the flood risk. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) #

Residents headed for a shelter are evacuated from their flooded neighborhood in Slidell, northeast of New Orleans on August 30, 2012 in Louisiana. Tropical Storm Isaac has dumped more rain onto an already saturated Gulf Coast as residents sought safety from flooding and officials warned of tornadoes and life-threatening storm surges. The National Hurricane Center said the slow-moving mass of fierce weather, which was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm a day earlier, would weaken and move north but continue to produce heavy rain for two days. AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN #

Elderly residents headed for a shelter are evacuated from their flooded neighborhoods in Slidell, northeast of New Orleans on August 30, 2012 in Louisiana. Tropical Storm Isaac has dumped more rain onto an already saturated Gulf Coast as residents sought safety from flooding and officials warned of tornadoes and life-threatening storm surges. The National Hurricane Center said the slow-moving mass of fierce weather, which was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm a day earlier, would weaken and move north but continue to produce heavy rain for two days. AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN #

Joel Geiger carries his son Jarren, 4, on his shoulders while walking with friends through their flooded neighborhood in Slidell, northeast of New Orleans on August 30, 2012 in Louisiana. Tropical Storm Isaac has dumped more rain onto an already saturated Gulf Coast as residents sought safety from flooding and officials warned of tornadoes and life-threatening storm surges. The National Hurricane Center said the slow-moving mass of fierce weather, which was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm a day earlier, would weaken and move north but continue to produce heavy rain for two days. AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN #

Richard Smith carries a neighbor's daughter across flooded streets in Slidell, northeast of New Orleans on August 30, 2012 in Louisiana. Tropical Storm Isaac has dumped more rain onto an already saturated Gulf Coast as residents sought safety from flooding and officials warned of tornadoes and life-threatening storm surges. The National Hurricane Center said the slow-moving mass of fierce weather, which was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm a day earlier, would weaken and move north but continue to produce heavy rain for two days. AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN #

Jamaal Nelson places his son Judge onto a rescue truck as a policeman secures Nelson's 4-month-old daughter Jalashia as the family are evacuated from their flooded neighborhood in Slidell, northeast of New Orleans on August 30, 2012 in Louisiana. Tropical Storm Isaac has dumped more rain onto an already saturated Gulf Coast as residents sought safety from flooding and officials warned of tornadoes and life-threatening storm surges. The National Hurricane Center said the slow-moving mass of fierce weather, which was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm a day earlier, would weaken and move north but continue to produce heavy rain for two days. AFP PHOTO / Frederic J. BROWN #

Storm clouds leading remnants of Hurricane Isaac gather in the skies over a grain elevator in England, Ark., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. With the storms approaching many farm states, some farmers wonder whether too much relief is on the horizon. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston) #

Hurricane Isaac's fury damaged much of Beach Boulevard and some of the lining private property as this street sign and fencing can attest in Waveland, Miss., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Although the hurricane has been downgraded Gulf Coast residents are still dealing with the wet aftermath of wide spread flooding, especially during the morning at high tide. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) #

Lonney Sciortino prepares to cut down a tree which fell on top of his tamale stand during Isaac in Arabi, La.,Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Isaac's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph and the National Hurricane Center said it was expected to become a tropical depression by Thursday night. The storm's center was on track to cross Arkansas on Friday and southern Missouri on Friday night, spreading rain as it goes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) #

Larry Trumbaturi walks through flood waters as he tries to reach his truck on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Slidell, La. Isaac's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph and the National Hurricane Center said it was expected to become a tropical depression by Thursday night. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) #

Slidell police officer Jeff Theriot rides on an SWAT truck as he searches for flood victims Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Slidell, La. Isaac's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph and the National Hurricane Center said it was expected to become a tropical depression by Thursday night. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) #

Members of the Louisiana National Guard clean up fallen limbs along St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans,Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Isaac's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph and the National Hurricane Center said it was expected to become a tropical depression by Thursday night. The storm's center was on track to cross Arkansas on Friday and southern Missouri on Friday night, spreading rain as it goes. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) #

A sheriff's vehicle sits in flood waters caused by Isaac, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, north of LaPlace, La, off Lake Pontchartrain. Isaac's maximum sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph and the National Hurricane Center said it was expected to become a tropical depression by Thursday night. The storm's center was on track to cross Arkansas on Friday and southern Missouri on Friday night, spreading rain as it goes. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)