New Orleans, La. - Isaac strengthened as it swirled toward Haiti, threatening to dump up to eight inches of rain on the island of Hispaniola.
Here at home, emergency managers are monitoring Isaac.
"As you know, in Plaquemines Parish we always prepare way ahead of everyone else," says Guy Laigast, the parish homeland security director.
Laigast says, if Isaac stays on its projected path, Plaquemines will feel few effects from the tropical weather.
"We will have some crews start moving sandbags and pre-positioning some things in the parish that we normally do anyway," says Laigast.
Outside of the federal levee protection system, the small community of Myrtle Grove could see some flooding if a south or west wind pushes their way.
"The good thing is, if you remember for Tropical Storm Debbie, we lined that road with sandbags and that is still there, so the DOTD is going to assist us in closing those gaps if we have to on Monday," says Laigast.
New Orleans Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Jerry Sneed says he's getting regular updates on Isaac. He says simply watching the tropics this weekend is key.
"Sunday, once it gets past Cuba, is really when we'll know a little bit more of what's going on," says Sneed.
He says, if Isaac becomes a threat, crews would probably begin closing flood gates sometime Monday.
He stresses it's important for individual citizens to take time now to double check their own preparedness.
"This weekend, I'd like for them to look at their catch basins. Make sure they're clear," says Sneed.
Emergency managers say you can never be too prepared, especially since the height of hurricane season is fast approaching.
Workers at New Orleans' Emergency Operations Center
