Isaac at hurricane strength, forecast to hit La. tonight

Isaac officially reached hurricane strength just before noon today, and the most recent forecast shows the Category 1 storm making landfall in southeast Louisiana “as early as this evening.” The hurricane is moving northwest at about 10 mph as of this afternoon, and was producing maximum sustained winds topping 75 mph. As Issac pushes onto shore and over Louisiana, it’s expected to drop anywhere from 7 to 14 inches of rain, with “possible isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches.” East Baton Rouge Parish is included in a tropical storm warning that continued to be issued by the National Weather Service this afternoon, while Ascension and Livingston parishes are included on the hurricane warning list. All areas are under a flash flood watch. As Hurricane Isaac neared the Gulf Coast earlier today, President Barack Obama told reporters that Americans will help each other recover, “no matter what this storm brings.” Federal preparations for the storm have been under way for days, Obama says, vowing that the nation will be prepared for likely flooding and other damage from the hurricane. You can check out the latest Isaac forecast from the National Weather Service here. Daily Report is compiling an updated list of Isaac-related cancellations and closures, as well as providing emergency contact information. See the complete rundown here; and send any updates/additions to be considered for inclusion by email to editors@businessreport.com.