Tropical Storm Karen Heads for Gulf Coast, Could Become Hurricane

Video report by USA Today

Tropical Storm Karen, which as of late Thursday had wind speeds of up to 65 mph, is headed for the Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall Saturday, USA Today reports. A tropical storm warning has been issued from Grand Isle, Louisiana to the mouth of the Pearl River, and a hurricane watch is in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana to Destin, Florida

Governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency, and Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared an emergency in 18 counties, the BBC reports. Army engineers are closing flood barriers in Louisiana, and energy companies have evacuated drilling platforms in the Gulf. 

Heavy rain is forecast in parts of Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the BBC said. 

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