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Lee Becomes Tropical Storm as Gulf Coast Braces

Mississippi joins Louisiana in declaring an emergency in some areas

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 2, 2011 4:13 PM CDT

(Newser) – Lee has intensified as expected into a tropical storm and is expected to drench Louisiana and Mississippi over the weekend. Both states have declared states of emergency near the coast, with Lee expected to make landfall in the next 48 hours with 65mph winds, reports CNN. The real hazard is expected to be the accompanying rain, however, with some areas expecting up to 20 inches.

"What we do know is there's high wind, there is a lot of rain and it's going slow," said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "That's not a good prescription for the city of New Orleans should it come this way." The city is expecting about 10 inches of rain over the next few days.
This NOAA satellite image taken Friday at 1:45 p.m. EDT shows Tropical Storm Lee producing thick clouds over the central Gulf of Mexico.
This NOAA satellite image taken Friday at 1:45 p.m. EDT shows Tropical Storm Lee producing thick clouds over the central Gulf of Mexico.   (AP Photo/Weather Underground)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
coolsmoothla
Sep 3, 2011 8:08 AM CDT
I like how a storm can stir up political debate.  Nevertheless, I live in New Orleans (Westbank) and as of now, the rains are moderate and we have sporadic wind gust of 20 to 25 miles per hour. It is forecast that we should experience the worst part of the storm by 12:00 p.m. today.  If you do not hear from me, it is because we have lost power (Is that a good or bad thing?...lol). Until further notice, let the rain come down...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtXrVyMbf1A
Spudsy
Sep 2, 2011 10:22 PM CDT
Too bad this storm couldn't track to the west and relieve some of that Texas drought.  Of course, according to Bachmann, god is still punishing Texas with this drought for electing Rick Perry. 
stroker
Sep 2, 2011 4:48 PM CDT
States rights! Paul is correct: why should my taxes clean up the mess of those who ought not to be living in that disaster area? ps: Bet you didn't know this. In 1929 Congress passed a law exempting the Army Corps of Engineers from law shuits. Now imagine: why give a hoot if you do the job right or not? you are not liable!
US

 
Louisiana • Mississippi • tropical storms • Gulf Coast • Tropical Storm Lee

 
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