CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Tropical Storm Isaac dropped several inches of rain in parts of Florida and caused some flooding in low-lying areas as of Monday morning. Tens of thousands were without power.
Isaac made its way toward the Gulf Coast Monday, and forecasters said it's possible the tropical storm will strengthen into a dangerous hurricane by the time it makes landfall.
The rain cleared out to leave clear skies in Tampa, Fla. Monday morning, and Republicans hope the improved weather will continue this week. Isaac will miss Tampa, but it is forcing a change in the Republican National Convention schedule.
Due to the dangerous effects of Tropical Storm Isaac, the four-day convention has been pared down to only three.
Mitt Romney would have been officially nominated as the GOP presidential candidate on Monday after roll call, but the weather forced all the events will be consolidated and crammed into the shorter convention.
The convention will open as scheduled Monday. The RNC will gavel in for a very brief 10 minute session, then immediately adjourn because of concerns about the weather.
All major events will begin Tuesday afternoon, beginning with roll call. Speakers have been shuffled around, and some of them will have less time to talk.
Ann Romney will speak Tuesday night, Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan will speak Wednesday night and Mitt Romney will take the podium Thursday night.
Much remains up in the air, as organizers await the damage Isaac may cause.
Officials in Pensacola expect tropical storm force winds to hit Pensacola Beach at about 10 p.m. CST, Monday. Isaac could come ashore late Tuesday as a Category 2 storm.
Tropical Storm Isaac left a path of destruction on some Caribbean islands, and is headed to the continental U.S. With parts of South Florida already getting soaked, the storm is projected to gain strength add strike the gust coastal in coming days.
Hurricane warning is in effect eastward to Destiny, Florida. House owners boarded up their properties on Pensacola Beach to fortify them to withstand storm damage.
But not everyone was as cautious. Some locals enjoyed the surf and sand along the beach Sunday, keeping an eye out for signs of Isaac.
While no major damage has been reported, Florida's governor warned residents that the Sunshine State is not in the clear just yet.
"All along the coast of Florida we're worried about storm surge, winds, rain and tornadoes," Gov. Rick Scott said. "So everybody needs to continue to be cautious."
A local state of emergency has been issued for Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Voluntary evacuations are under way.
Tourists are being asked to leave, and oil workers are being evacuated from rigs in the gulf.
If current projections hold, Isaac will come ashore between New Orleans and the Florida panhandle very close to 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Wednesday.
