At 2:00 PM today, as tropical storm Isaac headed towards the gulf and threatened disruptions, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus pounded the gavel to formally convene the Republican National Convention — and soon after called for recess.

In his two-minute address, Priebus railed against “the unprecedented fiscal recklessness of the Obama administration”, and inaugurated two national debt-clocks—one counting the total debt, the other counting the debt accrued during the convention.

Priebus called for a moment of silence to pray for those in Isaac’s storm path and the  emergency responders who will be called in to help.

Neil Armstrong, who died on Saturday at 82, received an honorable mention by Priebus.

The shortened convention will continue on Tuesday with speeches by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Ann Romney, and a keynote address from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

On Wednesday, Tim Pawlenty, Mike Huckabee, Condoleeza Rice, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan will take the stage.

On Thursday, Sen. Marco Rubio and Mitt Romney will close out the convention.