Tropical Storm Karen path will go via the gulf coast, and residents are preparing for a storm - the second tropical storm to make landfall in the US during this hurricane season.  Tropical Storm Karen developed in the Southern Gulf of Mexico, and its path is heading towards the Gulf Coast of the United States.  Luckily for residents in the path of Tropical Storm Karen, it is "less likely" that Karen will reach the strength of a hurricame.
A hurricane watch due to Tropical Storm Karen's path is in effect from Grand Isle, La., to west of Destin, Fla. A tropical storm warning for Tropical Storm Karen's path was issued for the Louisiana coast from Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River. A tropical storm watch for Tropical Storm Karen's path was in effect for metropolitan New Orleans.  
As a tropical storm, Karen is not as strong as a hurricane and is less likely to cause major damage.  While Tropical Storm Karen could become a hurricane as its path reaches the Gulf Coast, recent reports suggest "it has become a little less likely that Karen will reach hurricane strength."  A hurricane has winds of at least 75 miles per hour.
According to AccuWeather meteorologist Michael Doll in USA Today, near and just east of where the path of Tropical Storm Karen makes landfall, minor coastal flooding is possible. Wind gusts close to 65 mph can cause minor property damage, downed trees and power outages.  Tropical Storm Karen could produce 3 to 6 inches of rain in its path, although in isolated areas there may be up to 10 inches.
The Mississippi and Louisiana governers declared states of emergency due to the path of Tropical Storm Karen.  
Grand Isle, LA, a barrier island in the path of Tropical Storm Karen, declared a voluntary evacuation.
Traffic at the mouth of the Mississippi river in the path of Tropical Storm Karen was stopped in anticipation of the storm.
Watch Tropical Storm Karen Path Update Video Here: