Tropical Storm Isaac hasn’t gone through the explosive strengthening that sometimes happens when cyclones tap the warms waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s still forecast to grow into a hurricane (perhaps as soon as the next National Hurricane Center advisory) before it makes landfall tonight along the Louisiana coast, with a substantial storm surge, high winds and torrential rains. But if the immediate coastal area avoids the extreme effects of a more powerful storm — and if New Orleans’ new levees and, more importantly, it’s new pumping systems, hold up — Isaac’s copious tropical moisture may actually be a good thing on balance, bringing some long-awaited relief to the drought stricken areas of the southeast and mid-Mississippi Valley.
Here’s the most recent national drought map:
And here’s the latest forecast for rainfall totals from Isaac:
It’s only a partial silver lining though. Larges swaths of the eastern U.S. will get much- needed rain, but specific areas are likely to get ridiculous downpours with unwanted and destructive flooding.
