Coming to Tampa? Tips to keep Isaac from spoiling your convention experience

The Weather Channel's Bryan Norcross tracks Tropical Storm Isaac's movement and predictions about where it is headed.

Dear delegates to the Republican National Convention and visitors:

Welcome to Florida and Isaac.

I've covered hurricanes for 30 years, from as far south as El Salvador to the tip of Long Island at Montauk Point.

So if you are from a landlocked state or one far from the hurricane zone, a few tips that you won't see on most lists:


*Pack some zip-lock bags. You will need them to protect so much -- from your phone to a pair of socks you put in your pocket or purse.

*Bring shoes that you can walk in water with.

Since you don't want boots, as those won't work well headed to the convention hall, try Crocs. Put your shoes in your hand, roll up your pants, slog thru the water and dry off. Crocs dry easily and are weightless -- you can stuff them in your bag/purse.

Trust me, you can't escape the puddles, and those odd-colored Crocs are just fun enough to make people smile in the misery.

Want to skip Crocs? Get some bread bags and rubber bands to cover your shoes. It's ugly but works.

*Get a tiny pin flashlight that goes on your key chain. You won't need it here with all the auxiliary power, but it's nice peace of mind.

*Grab a baseball cap to protect your hair from the rain.

*Umbellas are a pain. They blow inside out. You need a very light rain coat. (It's hot during a hurricane/tropical storm, and you don't want a coat that makes you perspire or worse: sweat!)

*Finally, don't focus on the category of the storm. I've seen tropical storms create more havoc than a category 2 storm.

Inside the forum, you won't even know there's a storm. And if you're a guest at the beach while your loved one is busy with politics, bring a book, and if the weather doesn't clear up by Wednesday, consider a drive inland. Orlando and the theme parks are only twohours or so away. Just check weather.com to see of the skies are sunny nearby.

Enjoy!

Kerry Sanders is a Miami-based correspondent for NBC News

Florida's governor declares a state of emergency as residents and tourists flee Key West. Storm preparations are under way all along the Gulf Coast. NBC's Thanh Truong reports.

Discuss this post

I liked your suggestiions. Very good. I won't be wearing crocks. Those are the things you cook baked beans in or make kim chee in. I think you mean Crocs. Those are the shoes, which are very good for wet weather.

Vern

    Reply#1 - Sun Aug 26, 2012 1:32 AM EDT

    I used to live in the Ft Lauderdale area for 6 years. What I learned after experiencing flooded parking lots & roadways may be of help. Wearing "Crocs" is a great idea as you wade to your parked car. Try to find a high spot (relative to the rest of the parking lot). Many a time I would have to wade to my car (either at my Apartment or Work) in dark, knee deep water hoping that when I open the door...water wouldn't rush into the interior. Wading thru water barefoot is a bad idea - sharp objects &/or broken glass would leave a nasty wound in water which may be polluted if the water treatment facilities can't keep up with the excess storm water.

    The other thing to watch out for are Gators & Snakes!:>-- Especially Water Snakes. My neighbor once told me about a Water Snake chasing him near a pond he was wading in! So keep an eye out for anything wiggling in the water heading for you. It may be something looking for supper...especially those Burmese Pythons that got out during the last Big Hurricane~~~~~~:>--

      Reply#2 - Sun Aug 26, 2012 4:34 PM EDT

      Lester, the people in New Orleans are in my thoughts and prayers; and BTW the President in Iowa said

      Mitt Romney did not mention Afganistan in his Tampa acceptance speech but I heard him say that President Obama should have asked Russia's President Putin about Afganistan and we all know how that went for

      Russia which was unfortunate.

        Reply#3 - Sat Sep 1, 2012 6:56 PM EDT

        Brian, last evening on your coverage, it was revealed that the president cries when he hears his wife speak and

        no doubt Tuesday night was no exception. I missed her speech, so forgive me, if I am taking this comment out

        of context but our newspaper headline this morning was "We Must WorK Like Never Before" which begs the

        question: was this in reference to President Obama's comment about the "lazyAmericans"? That's the rub

        if only Americans could find work.

          Reply#4 - Wed Sep 5, 2012 11:31 AM EDT
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