Tropical Storm Karen Advisories Initiated

Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches Issued

The National Hurricane Center has announced that Tropical Storm Karen has formed just off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.  Projections call for some strengthening, and an initial forecast for landfall somewhere along the Northern Gulf Coast.

Three Day Cone as of Advisory #1

THE CONE as of Now

Please note that if your area is outside the cone, you should still be vigilant, as
1 - The cone may shift as the storm progresses
2 - The cone represents possible path of the center point of the storm only.

For more about how to interpret the cone, see "Know the Hurricane Cone - What It Really Means."

Initial WATCHES

A Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Watch has already been issued. From Tropical Storm Karen Special Advisory Number 1, we know that there is a hurricane watch stretching from Indian Pass, FL, westward to Grand Isle, LA.  A tropical storm watch is in effect for other portions of southern Louisiana.

IF YOU ARE ON THE GULF COAST BETWEEN TEXAS AND FLORIDA'S BIG BEND, PLEASE REFER TO CURRENT REPORTS FROM YOUR LOCAL WEATHER PROFESSIONALS.

Note that these watch areas can expand or change if warranted as conditions change.   All or part of the watches will be upgraded to warnings as the storm gets closer.

BE PREPARED!

Are you in or near any of the watch areas? Now is the time to prepare, if you haven't already done so.