The tropical disturbance near the Yucatan Peninsula has been upgraded into a tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Karen has moved into the extreme Southeastern Gulf of Mexico and is producing winds in excess of 60 mph. The storm is expected to make landfall in our area sometime this weekend.

A hurricane watch has been issued in the North Central Gulf Coast, from Destin to Pasgagoula, Miss.

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible in the specified areas for the next 48 hours.

The National Weather Service recommends that all people in the affected area review their preparedness plans and be prepared to implement them in the event of a hurricane warning.

Tropical Storm Karen is now approximately 580 miles south of Pensacola and is expected to make landfall between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

More updates will be posted as they become available.