Isaac could later be a Category 2 hurricane

KEY WEST, Fla. - A meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected at or near hurricane-strength once it reaches the Florida Keys later Sunday, could become a category 2 hurricane in coming days as it takes eventual aim at the northern Gulf Coast.

   Meteorologist Jessica Schauer says the center is currently forecasting Isaac would make landfall late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning somewhere on the northern Gulf Coast. A category 2 hurricane has winds of 96-110 mph (154-177 kph), but Schauer cautions forecasts that far out in time are subject to greater uncertainty.

   Earlier Sunday, the center issued a hurricane watch from the mouth of the Mississippi River -- not including the New Orleans metro area -- eastward to Indian Pass., Fla.