Local Time Line

BP and the Coast Guard are sending oil-scooping skimming ships in the Gulf of Mexico back to shore because Tropical Storm Alex is churning up rough seas and powerful winds.

A strengthening Tropical Storm Alex was expected to become a hurricane as it swirled toward the Gulf coast of northern Mexico and southern Texas. Tropical Storm Alex – Tropical cyclone – Gulf Coast of the United States – Mexico – Gulf of Mexico

Once a tropical storm, Alex weakened to a tropical depression on Sunday but was expected to regain strength in the coming days as it moves out over warmer waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf of Mexico – Tropical cyclone – Mexico – Tropical Storm Alex – Yucatán Peninsula

All schools were closed in American Samoa Friday and residents were stocking up on bottled water, flashlights and candles as Tropical Cyclone Rene churned toward the U.S. Pacific island territory.

Weather-hardened Gulf Coast residents refused to retreat from a steadily weakening tropical storm that crept toward shore Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, stiff winds and some flooding.