CHAUVIN, La. (AP) -- Isaac strengthened to a category 1 hurricane just after 12 p.m. Tuesday as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico on its way toward Louisiana.

The storm is expected to make landfall early Wednesday, and hurricane warnings cover a 280-mile stretch to the Florida-Alabama state line. Isaac could flood the coasts of four states as it moves closer to New Orleans.

It's moving toward shore on the eve of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Federal officials say the updated levees around New Orleans are equipped to handle storms stronger than Isaac, but some residents still are anxious.

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