Tropical Storm Isaac intensifies, begins pounding Florida Keys

Tropical Storm Isaac intensifies, begins pounding Florida Keys

Associated Press

KEY WEST, Fla.

Tropical Storm Isaac gained fresh muscle today as it bore down on the Florida Keys, with forecasters warning it could grow into a dangerous Category 2 hurricane as it nears the northern Gulf Coast.

Isaac drew new strength early today 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 four deaths in Haiti.

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. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said today that Isaac had started lashing the Keys with rain and wind by late morning.

A steady line of cars moved north Saturday along the Overseas Highway, the only road linking the Florida Keys. Residents boarded up windows, laid down sandbags and shuttered businesses ahead of the approaching storm. 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.