MTV spokesman Graham James said show planners were monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Katrina, which was strengthening and could strike south Florida as a weak hurricane by Friday, with the potential to wash out some pre-show events or drive others indoors.

Many outdoor events are scheduled around the hotel’s pool area that was spruced up for the awards. Other parties tied to the awards but not directly sponsored by MTV also could be affected.

James said decisions would be made on an event-by-event basis for the various Hotel MTV pre-awards festivities, depending on how bad the weather is.

The white-carpet arrivals in luxury yachts or tricked-out cars were still planned, and James did not expect the Sunday show to be affected if the current forecast holds.

“We’re hoping it misses us completely,” James said.

It’s the second straight year Miami hosts the annual parade of celebrities, memorable musical performances and wacky antics.

Among the festivities planned at the hotel are performances by hip hop acts Black Rob, 8-Ball and the Ying-Yang Twins; Latin acts Yerba Buena, JD Natasha and Javier Garcia; dance hall act T.O.K.; and the rock band The Bravery.

Puerto Rican crossover singer
Ricky Martin is set to celebrate the release of his new album “Life,” on Friday, and listening parties for new albums from Lil Kim, Sean Paul and Outkast’s Big Boi were scheduled.

As a tropical storm targeted southern Florida, MTV said Wednesday it has plans in place to deal with rough weather leading up to its Video Music Awards.