Caribbean island nations are suffering through tropical storm Isaac as others prepare for the worst.<br/> <br />In the Dominican Republic, the storm battered down as people gathered to watch the waves crashing in.<br/> <br />Downed trees blocked roads... and caused damage to crops, officials said.<br/> <br />In Cuba, the government and residents are getting ready.<br/> <br />The island, a model of disaster preparedness, has moved at-risk patients to safety, and is stockpiling supplies like rice and sugar.<br/> <br />Army forces say a full evacuation isn't necessary yet.<br/> <br />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.
