Tropical Storm Karen Update: Evacuations Commence on Gulf Coast

Published Oct 4, 2013 4:24 PM by The Maritime Executive

Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for low-lying areas south of New Orleans on Friday as a weakened Tropical Storm Karen closed in on the Louisiana coast after disrupting U.S. energy output in the Gulf of Mexico.

Oil output in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico had been cut in half as oil and gas firms shut platforms and evacuated some workers in preparation for the storm, which could still strengthen before landfall. The Gulf accounts for about 19 percent of U.S. oil production and 6 percent of natural gas output.

At the Port of New Orleans, cargo operations continued normally but the harbor pilots who guide ships through the mouth of the Mississippi had ceased operations.

"No ships are coming in or out the mouth of the river," said port spokesman Matt Gresham.

Carnival Cruise Line officials announced that two ships that had been due to arrive in New Orleans over the weekend, the Carnival Elation and Carnival Conquest, could be delayed until Monday. Guests onboard were being kept apprised and the ships were sailing at a safe and comfortable distance from the storm, the company said.

A hurricane watch was issued for the coast from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to Destin, Florida, alerting residents to expect hurricane conditions within 48 hours.

Tropical storm watches and warnings were in effect in other areas including metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.