As Tropical Storm Isaac moves over the Gulf of Mexico at a speed of about 14 miles per hour, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) say the storm “poses [a] significant storm surge threat to the Northern Gulf Coast.” As of 11 AM (EDT), Isaac is 250 miles south of Apalachicola, Florida, and about 310 miles from Pilottown, Louisiana, the mouth of the Mississippi River.

According to VoIP Hurricane Net Director of Operations Rob Macedo, KD1CY, both the VoIP Hurricane Net and WX4NHC -- the Amateur Radio station at the NHC -- secured operations at 6:30 PM (EDT) on Sunday, August 26 and will rest on Monday, August 27. “While Isaac is becoming better organized, it remains a tropical storm and is passing through the Florida Keys,” Macedo said. “The new track guidance brings most of Isaac’s effects out over the open Gulf of Mexico for Monday, with the exception of some minimal tropical storm effects along the immediate West Coast of Florida. Latest model guidance and NHC track guidance brings Isaac to the Northern Gulf Coast between Louisiana and Florida on Tuesday into Wednesday, when the next VoIP Hurricane Net and WX4NHC activation is likely to occur.”

The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) will also be resting on Monday, August 27, and will resume activity on the morning of Tuesday, August 28. “Because the storm will be stateside, HWN plans to operate on our primary frequency of 14.325 MHz, as well as 7.268 MHz, in order to gather more information,” said Stan Broadway, N8BHL. “If conditions warrant, we would include 80 meters, but watch for activation e-mails, website posts and net announcements if that takes place.”

According to the NHC, Isaac is moving toward the northwest at about 14 miles per hour, with maximum sustained winds near 65 miles per hour. Isaac’s center will move over eastern portions of the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, could strengthen to a hurricane in the next 48 hours before reaching the Northern Gulf Coast.

As of 11 AM (EDT) on August 27, the following warnings and watches are in effect:

• A hurricane warning is in effect for areas east of Morgan City, Louisiana to Destin Florida, including Metropolitan New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.
• A hurricane watch is in effect for Intracoastal City to Morgan City Louisiana.
• A tropical storm warning is in effect for areas east of Destin Florida to the Aucilla River, and for Intracoastal City to Morgan City, Louisiana.
• A tropical storm watch is in effect for east of Sabine Pass to west of Intracoastal City, Louisiana.

For storm information specific to your area -- including possible inland watches and warnings -- please monitor reports issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office.