Evacuation has begun on Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island as Tropical Storm Isaac's path moves west.
Evacuations were also ordered Monday for about 2,000 Plaquemines Parish residents.
Gov. Bobby Jindal called a state of emergency, suggesting people leave low-lying parts of 15 coastal parishes where the National Weather Service called a hurricane warning. He says that if Isaac remains a threat to Louisiana, he may skip the Republican National Convention.
Grand Isle police say Mayor David Camardelle ordered evacuation Sunday for tourists, recreational vehicles and camper trailers, and Monday for residents.
Parish President Billy Nungesser says the 2,000 residents of Plaquemines Parish's east bank must leave home starting at noon Monday, with a voluntary evacuation for another 5,000 people in the southern part of the parish from Ironton to Venice.
In New Orleans, city and state officials are closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Isaac as it moves across the Caribbean, and will continue to post updates at http://ready.nola.gov and http://www.gohsep.la.gov/.
Officials are encouraging all citizens to get themselves and their families prepared for a storm at any point during hurricane season by making and reviewing their emergency plan, having up-to-date emergency kits, and knowing how they would evacuate if need be. Citizens can also sign up for emergency alerts from the City of New Orleans, which provide immediate information to citizens via text, call, or email.
With additional reporting by the Associated Press.