Tropical Storm Isaac is now solidly in the Gulf of Mexico this morning, and the center has relocated closer to the central dense overcast., but the center still remains south of most of the weather. So strengthening for the next 12 hours or so would be slow, but there are signs that an actual eye (possibly tilted) is trying form, and Isaac's in the best position it's been since formation to strengthen this afternoon and evening.
The NOAA aircraft twitter states "Radar suggests an eye is forming in #Isaac.It is elliptical with major axis WNW-ESE and diameter 30 nm. In major bands to west."
But there are factors that will keep it from strengthening too quickly, such as the dry air and upper level low to the south of it, and the inability to keep the mid and low level centers aligned..
The eastern part of the storm is still moving through the Florida peninsula but should be out by the end of the day, this morning the heaviest bands are moving through central Florida, the bands train for a very long distance, so certain parts of Florida will likely see extended periods of rain, some of which could be rough or spawn tornadoes.
Those in the northern Gulf coast warning area should take preparations today. The storm moved more north than forecast last night (because of re-locations) and the forecast track briefly moved a bit east. Still because of center relocation, the exact track is in question.
New Tropical storm warnings are now up form Intracoastal City, AL to Morgan City, LA and new hurricane watches are up as well for the same area. the hurricane warning remains up east of there to Destin, FL.
Joyce
