Hurricane Isaac is brewing from a harmless tropical storm into a possibly disastrous hurricane in Tampa, Florida. The opening of the Republican National Convention is scheduled for Monday, August 27, but many are unsure whether Hurricane Isaac will be severe enough to cause a cancellation or simply a delay. ABC meteorologist, Max Golembo, fears that in the worst case scenario in predicting the storm pattern, the impact in Tampa could be a "disaster,"  Golembo says.

"Tampa is just as vulnerable as New Orleans was in the sense that the water will funnel into the bay area and from the storm surge which will flood completely the whole entire city of Tampa," Golembo said, referring to Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans in 2005. Golembo's prediction of a complete flood in Tampa comes only if Hurricane Isaac remains on a western route going over the Caribbean Sea south of Haiti, over the mainly flatland of Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico, then curving east and slamming right into Tampa, ABC News explained.

"It would be a disaster in the Tampa area," Golembo added.

However, Bob Buckhorn, mayor of Tampa is not taking any severe threats as seriously and is encouraging the Republican National Convention to proceed as normal.

"Come on down," Buckhorn said. "The event is going to take place, it's going to be a great event and we're looking forward to having you."  

While many prediction models of Hurricane Isaac's path indicate an eastern route, a "very important model" often referred to by many meteorologist shows the hurricane going directly into Tampa, Golembo says. 

"That's why the meteorologists are pulling their hair out right now," Golembo said. "If it was a model we wouldn't care, but it's THE model." 

Mayor Buckhorn insists that Floridians "we don't lose a lot of sleep over" possible storms since they are used to that kind of weather. He claims that the city is thoroughly prepared with safety plans for residents of Tampa as well as those coming for the convention.

"We've got plans in place that we practice all year round. We've got plans on top of plans. The only thing the RNC does is add about 50,000 more people to the equation," Buckhorn stated.

Thus far, the Republican National Convention has not been cancelled or delayed. RNC spokesman, James Davis, assures everyone that Hurricane Isaac is being evaluated and everyone's safety will be protected. 

"We will release information as we get it. Right now we are looking forward to having a great convention," Davis said. "We are confident we will be able to get the business done of our convention which is to nominate Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan." 

If Tampa experiences the best case scenario in the Hurricane Isaac path predictions, the convention would not have to be cancelled, Golembo says. In the most favorable case, Tampa would endure 30 mph winds and approximately 1 inch of rainfall. 

"Pack an umbrella at least and maybe a poncho and galoshes, but don't quite break out the boats and don't start building the arc," Golembo said. 

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