HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

August 24, 2012. Hispanola braces for Tropical Storm Isaac

SOURCE: Kroll

The Dominican Republic and Haiti made last minute preparations on August 24th for the landfall of Tropical Storm Isaac, which has grown in strength and could become a hurricane by the time it strikes Hispanola late on August 24th. Although some meteorologists downgraded their estimates of Isaac's looming strength and claimed it would not reach hurricane strength until it entered the Gulf of Mexico. Aid groups warned that the 400,000 Haitians are still living in makeshift camps after the 2010 earthquake and are seriously at risk as Isaac approaches. Isaac could bring winds of up to 75km/h (45mph) and some 51cm (20in) of rainfall. Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe called on people to avoid crossing rivers, to tape their windows, and to stay calm. Haitian officials set buses and 32 boats ready to evacuate people at need. The storm is then expected to strike Cuba and the southern United States. The storm could bring heavy rains and powerful winds to Tampa, which is to host the US Republican National Convention.