Tropical storm warning in Gulf of Mexico
Tuesday, 05 Aug 2008 12:15
Tropical storm warning in place for Gulf of Mexico as forecasters warn new hurricane is developing
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A tropical storm warning is in place in the Gulf of Mexico, American forecasters have said.
Tropical storm Edouard is expected to develop into a hurricane over the next 36 hours.
The region is recovering from Hurricane Dolly, which struck Texas and Mexico at the end of last month.
Texan emergency teams have already been deployed in anticipation of Edouard.
According to the national hurricane centre (NHC), a tropical storm warning is in place from the mouth of the Mississippi river westwards to Cameron, Louisiana.
A hurricane watch is also in place in coastal Texas.
"Some increase in strength is expected during the next 24 hours and Edouard could be nearing hurricane strength before reaching the coastline," an NHC statement said.
Data released by the US government shows the storm to be moving north-west at 15kmph, with winds of up to 85kmph.
The storm is further bad news for oil producers, with Shell and Exxon Mobil drilling platforms in its path.
Gulf Coast refineries could also be threatened by Edouard, forecasters say.