Isaac roars through the Caribbean

Caribbean island nations are suffering through tropical storm Isaac as others prepare for the worst.

In the Dominican Republic, the storm battered down as people gathered to watch the waves crashing in.

Downed trees blocked roads... and caused damage to crops, officials said.

In Cuba, the government and residents are getting ready.

The island, a model of disaster preparedness, has moved at-risk patients to safety, and is stockpiling supplies like rice and sugar.

Army forces say a full evacuation isn't necessary yet.

The U.S. National Hurricane Centre said Isaac would gain strength after hitting Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba and could turn into a hurricane as it closes in on the Florida Keys and other Gulf states.