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Tropical Storm Isaac: Florida braced for lashing Tropical Storm Isaac: Florida braced for lashing
(40 minutes later)
People in southern Florida have been making final preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac, as it barrels to the US.People in southern Florida have been making final preparations for Tropical Storm Isaac, as it barrels to the US.
Hundreds of flights and sailings have been cancelled, high winds have already caused power cuts and oil rigs are facing possible closures.Hundreds of flights and sailings have been cancelled, high winds have already caused power cuts and oil rigs are facing possible closures.
Other US states are also on alert as forecasters warn that Isaac could strengthen further.Other US states are also on alert as forecasters warn that Isaac could strengthen further.
The storm has already caused havoc in the Caribbean, killing four in Haiti and bringing floods to Cuba. The storm has already caused havoc in the Caribbean, killing at least six in Haiti and bringing floods to Cuba.
The National Hurricane Center said the storm was moving at about 20mph (30km/h) towards Florida's southern tip, and was expected to make landfall during the day on Sunday. Convention delayed
The National Hurricane Center said the storm was moving at about 20mph (30km/h) towards Florida's southern tip, and was expected to begin battering the coastline during the day on Sunday.
It was packing sustained winds of 65mph.It was packing sustained winds of 65mph.
Residents of the Florida Keys, a thin island chain connected to the mainland by a single road, have been driving north all weekend.Residents of the Florida Keys, a thin island chain connected to the mainland by a single road, have been driving north all weekend.
They are well-used to the ritual of storm preparation, and many have boarded up their homes and businesses in preparation.They are well-used to the ritual of storm preparation, and many have boarded up their homes and businesses in preparation.
A few bars and restaurants stayed open late on Saturday to serve small groups of tourists and locals willing to risk the storm.A few bars and restaurants stayed open late on Saturday to serve small groups of tourists and locals willing to risk the storm.
"We'll just catch every place that's open," holidaymaker Ted Lamarche told the AP news agency."We'll just catch every place that's open," holidaymaker Ted Lamarche told the AP news agency.
Hurricane watches were put in place along the coast lines of western Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and south-eastern Louisiana. Hurricane watches were put in place along the coastlines of western Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and south-eastern Louisiana.
Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency to make sure emergency services would be ready when the storm made landfall. Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency to make sure emergency services would be ready when the storm hit.
The Republican Party has been forced to delay the start of its national convention in the western Florida city of Tampa because of the storm.The Republican Party has been forced to delay the start of its national convention in the western Florida city of Tampa because of the storm.
The party, which is due to formally nominate Mitt Romney as its presidential candidate during the meeting, said the convention would begin on Tuesday, a day later than planned. The BBC's Jonny Dymond, in Tampa, says the eye of the storm is forecast to hit the US coastline further north, but with its effects felt up to 230 miles away, Tampa is expecting a soaking and powerful winds.
The Republican party, which is due to formally nominate Mitt Romney as its presidential candidate during the meeting, said the convention would begin on Tuesday, a day later than planned.
Are you affected by Tropical Storm Isaac? Are you in Florida? Please get in touch using the form below.Are you affected by Tropical Storm Isaac? Are you in Florida? Please get in touch using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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