Tropical Storm Moves Toward US Gulf Coast

VOA News ^ | 9/25/02

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Heavy rain is lashing parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast ahead of Tropical Storm Isidore, which is moving northward after pounding Mexico's Yucatan peninsula.

Weather forecasts say the storm is expected to hit the southern coastal regions of the United States beginning Wednesday night. Weather officials say it is expected to return to hurricane force again as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico.

A hurricane "watch" was posted Tuesday in the southern U.S. states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Texas and Florida have issued a tropical storm warning.

The storm slammed into the Yucatan peninsula on Monday, leaving at least three people dead and forcing the evacuation of more than 70,000 people. The storm downed power and telephone lines and cut off communication to much of the region.

At least 43 coastal municipalities were declared disaster zones. Mexican President Vicente Fox toured the region and promised food and medical support.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Lili is battering Barbados, toppling trees and damaging about 140 homes. Reports say three people have been killed and the storm may become a hurricane Wednesday.

In addition, Tropical Storm Kyle, which had been stationary in the Atlantic has begun drifting south at about nine kilometers-per-hour with sustained winds near 85 kilometers-per-hour. It is centered about 1.335 kilometers east of Bermuda.