 Since the beginning of reconnaissance flights in 1943 , Karen was one of few named storms to dissipate in the Gulf of Mexico without making landfall . While the storm was threatening the Gulf Coast of the United States , the NHC issued several tropical cyclone warnings and watches as Karen approached . Additionally , states of emergency were issued in portions of Alabama , Louisiana , Mississippi , and Florida . The mayor of the town of Grand Isle , Louisiana evacuated the island on October 4 , while residents were also ordered to flee Lafourche and Plaquemines parishes . The Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) and the United States Department of the Interior called back workers , furloughed because of the government shutdown , to assist state and local agencies . Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal authorized the mobilization of the state 's National Guard members to active duty . 
