National Hurricane Center: Tropical Depression Upgraded to Tropical Storm Joyce; Isaac 2012 Path Heading Towards Tampa, Florida (Maps)

The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded the tropical depression following Tropical Storm Isaac to tropical storm status. The new tropical storm, named Joyce, is located about 1045 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands in the eastern tropical Atlantic.

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Tropical Storm Joyce, which is moving towards the west-northwest, is not an immediate threat to land the center declared. Moving at 17 mph, Joyce is expected to continue its path through Saturday and is predicted to move away from the Caribbean.

With maximum sustained winds of nearly 40 mph, Joyce is not expected to strengthen during the next 48 hours.

Joyce's predecessor, Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to reach hurricane status by Friday, the National Hurricane Center reported on Thursday.

The Miami-based center issued a hurricane warning for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti as well as tropical storm watches and warnings for the rest of the Caribbean.

Given its current trajectory, Isaac may touch base in Southern Florida, potentially affecting the Republican National Convention. The convention, which is set to start on Monday, is being held in Tampa and will officially nominate Mitt Romney as the Republican presidential candidate. Convention organizers have said that they are keeping an eye on Isaac in case it reaches Tampa. 

5-Day Wind Speed Probablities: 

(Photo : National Hurricane Center / Google Maps)
Tropical Storm Isaac Route, Path Map into Florida, USA

(Photo : National Hurricane Center)
Coastal Watches/Warnings and 5-Day Forecast Cone for Storm Center - Tropical Storm ISAAC