A shelter has been opened in the gymnasium at LSU-Shreveport for South Louisiana residents looking to get out of the way of Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday.

The NWLA Red Cross chapter has also opened a public shelter at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston, LA.

Other shelters in Shreveport and Ruston are on stand-by in case there's a need for more space.

A shelter on the NSU campus in Natchitoches could open on Tuesday, if the state gives the word. And several special needs shelters in the area are on stand-by waiting for direction to open.

The local Red Cross chapter is asking for help, financially and in the form of volunteers. Anyone who wants to help out can call the NWLA Red Cross office at (318) 865-9545.