NATCHEZ — As Tropical Storm Isaac continues its path toward Florida and the southern states, Miss-Lou officials say the storm will likely weaken before reaching Natchez or Vidalia.

The storm pushed over Cuba on Saturday after sweeping across Haiti’s southern peninsula, causing flooding and at least four deaths.

Forecasters said Isaac poses a threat to Florida Monday and Tuesday and could eventually hit the Florida Panhandle as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of nearly 100 mph.

Adams County Emergency Management Director Stan Owens said he has been watching the storm closely, but doesn’t believe the Miss-Lou will be directly affected.

“Everyone needs to keep an eye on it and make sure they’re prepared, but I don’t anticipate the storm heading this way if it stays on the track it’s on,” Owens said. “If it changes course, we’ll call some meetings on Monday and start making some plans.”

The National Hurricane Center said in the latest update Saturday that Isaac is forecasted to move over the Southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Monday and is moving west-northwest to northwest.

That motion is expected to continue for the next few days with an increase in forward speed, the update said.

Concordia Parish Emergency Management Director Morris White said residents in the New Orleans area are likely to be affected by the storm — either directly or from the storm’s aftermath.

“The people in New Orleans need to be careful, but there’s enough land between (Vidalia) and the storm to slow it down,” White said. “The storms will go on forever on water because they have plenty of wind to keep it going.

“Once it starts hitting the trees in Louisiana and Mississippi, it’ll slow down.”

If the storm stays on its current path, Owens said the Miss-Lou could see heavy rains and winds as early as Tuesday.

“If we stay on the less evil side of the storm, we’ll get hit with some of those outer bands of the storm,” Owens said. “If it stays on this course it’ll have to fight a lot of landfall, but it can always change.”

Because of the uncertainty of the storm’s path, Owens said residents should keep a careful eye on the storm and have an emergency plan in mind.

“The first 72 (hours) is on you and, really, everyone should be prepared with a 72-hour plan for any emergency,” Owens said. “Be safe, be prepared and be aware.”