TS Karen Briefing - 11am EDT October 3rd, 2013

National Weather Service Tallahassee, Florida

Tropical Storm Karen formed this morning and is nearing hurricane strength in the far southern Gulf of Mexico. A general northerly motion should continue through the next 36-48 hours, with a curve to the northeast this weekend. The eventual landfall location is still uncertain. Monitor the forecast closely! A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Grand Isle, LA to Indian Pass, FL. This includes portions of Walton, Bay, and Gulf Counties.

Possible impacts:

Strong winds possible near and to the east of the track of the center of the storm. Above normal tides with storm surge along the Panhandle and Big Bend coast, including Apalachee Bay. Heavy rainfall possible, particularly in training feeder bands to the east of the center of Karen. Timing: Impacts this weekend, mainly Saturday Night and Sunday

Forecast Track

10 AM Satellite