Storm's comin

We're about to experience our first big tropical storm.  Tropical storm Karen is on its way to the gulf coast.  Right now it's still way south of New Orleans.  But it's coming here.  It's projected to pass right over us.  Part of me is pretty scared, just because it's so new.  Part of me is a little, teeny, tiny bit excited.  This is Karen:

 We live on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay.  We are currently on hurricane watch.

Quick lesson on watch vs. warning:

Hurricane / Tropical Storm Alerts

• Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that tropical-storm conditions are possible within the specified area.
• Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area.
Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Action: During a watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.

• Tropical Storm Warning: An announcement that tropical-storm conditions are expected within the specified area.
• Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area.
Because outside preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Action: During a warning, complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local officials.

We have everything we'll need, just in case things turn for the worse.  But it's looking like Karen is losing strength and slowing down.