Tropical Storm Karen, which prompted alerts along the US Gulf Coast, is losing strength but continues to pose a risk of heavy rain and potential flooding, according to the National Hurricane Center.
As of 09:00 GMT (04:00 CDT), the storm had weakened to 40mph (64km/h) and was not expected to intensify further. Forecasters anticipate the storm's centre will approach the south-east Louisiana coast on Saturday night.
Karen is the first storm to threaten the Gulf Coast this Atlantic hurricane season. Its weakening came after a day of extensive preparations, with residents in low-lying areas of south-east Louisiana hauling boats and crab traps to safety.
Alabama joined Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida in declaring a state of emergency. Oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico shut down production as a precaution, and federal emergency agencies recalled workers on leave due to the ongoing government shutdown.
