Convention Storm Watch

Isaac is predicted to grow to Category 1 strength today and tomorrow's first day of the GOP convention is canceled. The storm may be Category 2 when it reaches the Gulf coast. Later today the storm will hit Key West where Duval Street's storefronts have been boarded up.

A steady line of cars moved north along the Overseas Highway, the only road linking the Keys to each other and the Florida mainland, while residents boarded up windows, laid down sandbags and shuttered businesses. Even Duval Street, Key West's storied main drag, was subdued for a weekend, though not enough to stop music from playing or drinks from being poured. Isaac was expected to be at or near hurricane strength by the time its center reached the Keys later today.

A hurricane warning was in effect for the Keys, and authorities warned tourists to head for the mainland. Meanwhile authorities said a hurricane watch has been issued from the mouth of the Mississippi River - not including the New Orleans metro area - eastward to Indian Pass., Fla. The Keys were bracing storm surge of up to four feet, strong winds and the possibility of tornadoes. The island chain's two airports closed Saturday night and volunteers and some residents began filing into shelters.