August 28, 2012

U.S. News and World Report - Tropical Storm Isaac Strengthens, Eyes New Orleans, Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Isaac let Tampa and the GOP convention mostly off the hook, but New Orleans and the Gulf Coast may not be so lucky, forecasters say. The sprawling system, now slowly strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to become a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane by the time it makes landfall Tuesday night.

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The sheer volume of rain could cause freshwater flooding, especially because the ground is already saturated from ample rain in recent weeks, says John Schroeder, a professor of atmospheric science at Texas Tech University who has begun taking measurements in Lousiana.