Hurricane Isaac 2012: Tropical Storm Path Floods Haiti, Track Leads to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi

Tropical Storm Isaac is set to become Hurricane Isaac on Sunday as it continues to gain strength over water, and is now threatening to become a category 2 or even a category 3 hurricane. Experts currently tracking the storm have predicted its path to hit parts of Florida before slamming into Alabama and Mississippi.

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The tropical storm hit Haiti on Friday and caused significant problems for the region still recovering from the devastating earthquake which still leaves many in temporary shelters and displaced. The full brunt of the storm did not hit the region, however, extensive rainfall have caused torrential flooding in some parts, with water coming up to waist height in some places.

However, storm experts are saying that Isaac is only just getting started and is expected to increase in strength significantly in the coming days. The longer it stays over water the stronger it is likely to become before hitting the United States coastal regions.

The storm is currently heading towards Florida, and the National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch and tropical storm warnings at 11 p.m. Friday night for all of the Florida Keys, including Florida Bay and the coast of the Southern Florida Peninsula from Ocean Reef on the East Coast Westward to Bonita Beach on the west coast.

The watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 24 to 36 hours.

It also issued a tropical storm warning for the Southeast Florida coast from North of Ocean Reef Northward to Jupiter Inlet and for Lake Okeechobee.

The Republican Party will hold its National Convention on Monday to nominate Mitt Romney as its Presidential Candidate in Tampa, Florida. It looks like Isaac could cause significant problems for the region.

According to its current path, Isaac is forecast to approach the Florida Keys on Sunday, before moving on to Alabama and Mississippi. Early to mid next week Isaac is predicted to pick up to hurricane strength with winds between 80 to 100 mph currently expected. Although many believe it will be just a category 1 hurricane, some are now worrying it could increase to a category 2 or even category 3 hurricane. As the storm moves into the warmer Gulf of Mexico waters it will increase in strength even more before hitting the U.S. coastline.