The U.S. state of Florida on Saturday stepped into a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Isaac strengthened and was approaching Florida, where the Republican National Convention (RNC) is due to start Monday.

While declaring the state of emergency in Florida on Saturday morning, Governor Rick Scott urged local residents to get prepared for the worst scenario Isaac might cause.

Local officials in Tampa, a city on west coast of Florida and venue of the RNC, have been informed on issues that may occur due to Isaac and delegates to the convention have been informed on how to remain safe during a storm.

According to information given by the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration near Saturday noon, Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to strengthen and become a hurricane Sunday as the storm approaches the Florida Keys and parts of Florida.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said on Saturday it will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac and remain in close coordination with local officials and emergency management partners in Florida, and other southeastern and Gulf states.

A Hurricane Warning is currently in effect for the Florida Keys, the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach southward to Ocean Reef, and for Florida Bay. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.

"As Tropical Storm Isaac moves closer to Florida, local residents need to be prepared," said the agency's Administrator Craig Fugate, "...check your family plans and emergency supplies, review your evacuation routes and remember that evacuation orders come from local officials."

While tropical storms are unpredictable, the agency encourages residents in the possible path of the storm to prepare now.

Republican National Convention CEO William Harris said on Thursday the organizers of the convention is "in regular contact" with the National Weather Service, Governor Rick Scott of Florida and local emergency officials in an effort to track and understand the potential impact of the storm.

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa from Monday to Thursday. Nearly 50, 000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, journalists and other guests, while thousands of protesters are also said to come along.

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