Mexico Gulf Coast prepares for hurricane

Environment Posted on 27/08/2012

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The Gulf Coast is bracing itself for the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac on Wednesday 29 August, which could have strengthened into a category two hurricane by the time it makes landfall.

It is predicted to strike somewhere between New Orleans and the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday, after strengthening over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. But forecasters remain uncertain of its path, with two different computers predicting almost opposite paths - one west, and one east.

Currently, the predicted track goes up the middle of the two possible routes, with evacuations taking place throughout the region. A state of emergency has already been called in Louisiana. Tourists in the area have been advised to check the weather forecast regularly and follow the instructions of local authorities. Otherwise, there is no severe threat to safety as the region is very well equipped with storm shelters.

The storm has already caused problems, with hundreds of flights to and from Miami cancelled. Normal service is not expected to resume until late on Monday and travellers are advised to check with their individual airlines before attempting to travel.

On Sunday, the storm passed by Florida Keys but caused few problems for the local residents. On Monday morning, the storm's centre was roughly 110 miles west of Key West and 455 miles southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River. According to the National Hurricane Center, it was moving west-northwest at about 15mph with sustained winds of around 65mph.

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In brief : Environment