Severe Weather to Delay Part of GOP Convention Until Tuesday

(The Blaze/AP) -- The Republican National Convention will briefly convene Monday before taking a recess until Tuesday afternoon because of severe weather, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said Saturday.

“Our first priority is ensuring the safety of delegates, alternates, guests, members of the media attending the Republican National Convention, and citizens of the Tampa Bay area,” Priebus explained.

"After consulting with Governor Scott, NOAA and local emergency management officials, we are optimistic that we will begin an exciting, robust convention that will nominate the Romney-Ryan ticket.”

Mitt Romney weighed in on Twitter:

The safety of those in Isaac's path is of the utmost importance. I applaud those in Tampa making appropriate schedule changes. #GOP2012

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) August 25, 2012

CNN adds:

GOP officials expect 50,000 people to attend the convention where Mitt Romney will officially accept his party's presidential nomination and make the final turn to the November Election.

The delay was brought about because Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to be west of Tampa in the Gulf of Mexico early Monday morning – the first day of the week long event.

Priebus is expected to give more details on the modified schedule shortly.  According to the National Review, his main concern is “severe transportation difficulties due to sustained wind and rain.”

Apparently, organizers may attempt to squeeze Monday's speakers into the remaining days.

Priebus' memo concludes: "We have an experienced team that will ensure changes are operationally smooth and create as little disruption as possible.  The most important concern is safety, but our Convention program will proceed."

Russ Schriefer, a senior strategist for the Romney campaign, assured: “We will absolutely be able to get our message out."

This is a breaking story.  Updates will be added.

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