of launching the 9/11 attacks were postponed as authorities evacuate 200 people on the island. >> my concern is preventing any loss of life. so, the bay, and the -- all of the water, around -- there is, storm surge and all that thing. so really it is a consistent plan that we have. >> reporter: isaac expected to grow into a hurricane over 48 hours. cuba should feel effects saturday or sunday. >> thank you, t.j. let's get the latest now on isaac's path from accu-weather. >> meteorologist jim dickey following the storm's every move. good morning, jim. >> good morning, rob, paula. tropical storm isaac continues to slowly strengthen as we head through the day, today, drifting west-northwestward. bringing strong gusty winds to hispaniola, into cuba, near hurricane force. flooding rainfall. 48 inches of rain. will lead to big-time flooding there. going forward will drift its way westward. end up in the gulf of mexico. water is warm. expecting the storm to strengthen to hurricane force and impact the gulf coast going forward.