STILL WATCHFUL, BUT LESS WORRIED ABOUT CHRIS

Tropical Storm Chris has reportedly weakened, and is no longer expected to reach hurricane strength. Chris has also adjusted it's course, heading in a more westerly direction over the past 12-18 hours. If it somehow avoids being torn apart by wind shear, the five day forecast calls for it to skirt the extreme northern coast of Cuba and enter the Gulf of Mexico by Monday.

While the forecast sounds much better for us, everyone along the Gulf Coast is or should be well aware that occasionally these storms defy prediction. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep a close watch on Chris and prepare accordingly.