NOAA Hurricane Isaac; Louisiana Evacuates 53,000 for Category 2 Hurricane, 'Anxiety Level is High,' Mayor Says

NOAA, National Hurricane Center in Miami predicts that Tropical Storm Isaac will become Hurricane Isaac as it travels over the Gulf of Mexico and hits late Tuesday into Wednesday. Voluntary evacuations were suggested for coastal parish residents in Louisiana. However, mandatory evacuations were executed for 53,000 residents in the St. Charles Parish and the east bank of Plaquemines Parish.

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The sustained winds for the possible category 2 Hurricane Isaac can manage 96 to 110 mph sustained winds. The approximated tracking and timing of Tropical Storm Isaac is reportedly similar to Hurricane Katrina which crippled New Orleans and the Gulf Coast nearly 7 years ago with more than 1,800 deaths. 

"We are just on high alert. I know the anxiety level is high," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. 

"The storm is somewhat uncertain. Out of an abundance of caution, we will begin to take these precautions as quickly as we can." 

Hurricane warnings have been issued for the Gulf Coast region, including land between Morgan City, La., and Destin, Fl. Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana declared a state of emergency as the storm advances. Evacuations in New Orleans have not be issued yet. Buses and trains would be used to move residents if an evacuation is necessary.

"There's really nothing that's going to stop this storm from forming and from strengthening," Jindal said, according to Reuters. 

Isaac is continuing to strengthen in power, but has also grown into a massive storm; its tropical storm conditions are currently affecting areas 200 miles out from its center. So even regions near the center of the storm will be hit by strong winds and extensive rainfall, and flooding is one of the core concerns for many places near Isaac's current track.

Isaac did little damage as it stormed pass Key West, Fl., with heavy rains and winds. The forecast predictions for the storm delayed the Republican National Convention (RNC) that was supposed to begin Monday, Aug. 27, in Tampa.