Tropical Storm Isaac lashes Florida Keys

Last Updated 8:25 p.m. ET

(CBS/AP) KEY WEST, Fla. - New hurricane warnings have been issued for an area stretching from Louisiana and New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle, as Isaac churned toward the Gulf of Mexico.

A hurricane warning has been extended along the northern Gulf coast, from east of Morgan City, La., to Destin, Fla., including metropolitan New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain, and Lake Maurepas. A hurricane watch is in effect for east of Destin to Indian Pass, Fla.

Forecasters warn Isaac could be a strong Category 2 hurricane by the time it makes landfall.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Isaac is expected to hit somewhere between southeastern Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle either late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

Gov. Bobby Jindal called a state of emergency in Louisiana, and suggested that people leave low-lying parts of coastal parishes.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu also declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon, so that "everybody in the city of New Orleans can begin to prepare."

7 years after Katrina, NOLA braces for Isaac

TS Isaac's position and precipitation patterns, as of early Sunday evening

/ CBS News

At 5:00 p.m. ET the center of Isaac passed just south of Key West, moving west-northwest at 16 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 60 mph.

The storm lashed the Florida Keys Sunday, bringing rain and strong winds.

While the worst of Isaac has already passed over the Keys, CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez said local officials are warning they are not out of the clear yet. Waves, wind and rain could continue to cause issues for locals.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Florida from Sebastian Inlet southward on the east Coast, and from Anclote Key southward on the west coast, as well as the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay, and Lake Okeechobee.

Tropical storm effects could be felt as far as 200 miles from Isaac's core in places like Miami, where more than 500 flights were cancelled and 8,500 people lost power Sunday.

Isaac drew new strength early Sunday during a warm-water crossing of the Florida Straits after causing weekend havoc in Cuba, where it downed trees and power lines. Before that, Isaac was blamed for seven deaths in Haiti.

Gov. Rick Scott said in a news conference on Sunday that state, federal and local officials are coordinating efforts to make sure everyone is on the same page as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches Florida. He also said delegates visiting the Tampa area for the Republican National Convention will learn that in addition be being a great tourist destination, Florida is prepared to deal with hurricanes.

Scott noted there had been some minor power outages in South Florida as Isaac's feeder bands bring rain and wind to the area. He said the major concern in the Tampa Bay area will be wind. And as the storm approaches the rain-saturated Florida Panhandle, flooding may become an issue.

A small number of South Floridians - more than 8,000 customers - are already without power in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties, according to CBS Station WFOR.

Florida prepares for Isaac
Isaac could become Cat 2 hurricane: Forecaster

On Key West, locals followed time-worn storm preparedness rituals while awaiting the storm after Isaac swamped the Caribbean and shuffled plans for the Republican National Convention.

Harley Rojas dismantles the tarp next to his mobile home at the Sunshine Key RV Resort as the Florida Keys prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac, Saturday, Aug 25, 2012.

/ AP Photo/The Miami Herald, Walter Michot

An official at Haiti's Civil Protection Office said Sunday that the number of people who died in the Caribbean nation is now up to seven after an initial report of four.

Joseph Edgard Celestin had few details about how the people died. But he said one man was swept away as he tried to cross a river in the north of the country.

Also among the dead was a 10-year-old girl who had a wall fall on her. The government also reported "considerable damage" to agriculture and homes. Nearly 8,000 people were evacuated from their houses or quake shelters and more than 4,000 were taken to temporary shelters.

The forecast path of Tropical Storm Isaac as it entered the Gulf of Mexico Sunday, August 26, 2012. It is expected to grow to a Category 1 or 2 hurricane.

/ NOAA

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[MagnaCartaUK]

It appears as though the U.S. can't win with the recent unfavourable weather condition. Drought in some States, wild-fires, and now this. In the cynical modern World mired in party politics, and the psyche of 'how much it this going to cost me', misery seems to is measured by loss of life only, yet any struggling farmer can tell differently. People can lose their homes, irreplacable items of sentimental value - even their livlihoods - but as long as they survive it's deemed as 'unimportant'. Add economic troubles to that, and a great many people need a great deal more consideration than they're offered. Even being without elecricity and gas can pose serious problems to the elderly, disabled and the poor. From one person at least, I hope things eventually turn out well for everyone facing this latest challange - it's a pity that mere words can't do more.

[robert1129]

Cancel the GOP Convention. All it is going to be is one big pep rally for Romney/Ryan anyway.

[computerflyer]

God is smiting the right wing nutcases - simple as that :D

[gavindickinson]

what a dumb and bigoted thing to say... not to mention hateful... some christian you are.

[formerlyluvnut]

Why all the drama? This weather is expected all the time in Florida and along the eastern & southern coastlines.

[Fareed17]

Has anyone in the RNC leadership taking blame for choosing Tampa in hurricane season for their convention? With no risk assessment plan in place the RNC may have to assume full responsibility for damage, injury, and death resulting from Isaac. The democratic trial lawyers should have a field day with this. Governor Rick Scott could no be reached for comment on this, he gave up his speaking spot, declared a state of emergency (big government intervention) and left town yesterday. Who is in charge?

[vpcharan]

Gov. Scott depends on the Federal help to manage Act of God? Shame, Shame for GOP brand.GOP brand has no place even in the Hell

[gavindickinson]

hateful christian, an oxymoron...

[jaykay3141]

"hateful christian, an oxymoron..."
True, but many on the extreme right seem to have no difficulty embracing the two. A few things I've heard from so-called Christians: "Katrina was punishment from God..." "AIDS is punishment from God ..." Sarah Palin's and Michelle Bachmann's views on Judaism ... "If you're poor it's your own fault ..." "Only heterosexuals are allowed to love ..." And of course, "The child of a rape is a blessing for the mother." Need more be said?