LAPLACE – As of Thursday morning, a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico has officially been upgraded to tropical storm status.
Tropical Storm Karen, with winds in the 60 mph range, is currently spinning off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. The current projected track of the storm has it making landfall near Mobile, Ala., late Saturday or early Sunday. The storm is not expected to strengthen much before it makes landfall, as wind shear in the Gulf is expected to hinder its development.
A hurricane watch is in effect for coastal areas from Grand Isle to the Florida panhandle, while a tropical storm watch covers the New Orleans area as well as Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas.
The impact of the storm on the local area is expected to be minimal, but heavy rain and wind are possible starting as early as Friday.
Check back with lobservateur.com for more updates the situation progresses.