RNC organizers ready for Hurricane Isaac

TAMPA, Fla. (WHDH) -- Organizers of the Republican National Convention said they are ready to deal with about 50,000 visitors and a looming hurricane, but the threat of heavy rain and flooding is making people nervous.

People in Puerto Rico loaded up on emergency supplies and boarded up their homes. Tropical storm Isaac has been dumping heavy rains causing flooding which forced the governor to declare a state of emergency.

In the Dominican Republic, emergency workers are preparing for Isaac too.

The storm is expected to reach hurricane strength by tomorrow.

Isaac's progress has the attention of emergency teams in Florida.

Governor Rick Scott is holding daily meetings preparing for a worst case scenario; a hurricane strong enough to damage parts of the state and possibly put the national republican convention on hold.

"You know, the hope is this is going to go away,” said Gov. Scott. “If there needs to be an evacuation, the decision will be made to do.”

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn echoed encouragement.

“We are in full preparation mode for the RNC. We're excited and we've been training for it for a year and a half,” said Buckhorn.

The threat of weather isn't slowing preparations for the convention. But even if Isaac doesn't directly hit Tampa, area law enforcement said a hurricane anywhere in the state could reduce the number of officers available to help with security.

"If we move into an evacuation mode, you know, our resources change,” said David Gee, a Hillsborough County sheriff.

Governor Scott says they have a contingency plan; The National Guard.

But for now, everyone will have to wait and see Isaac’s track.