BP monitoring Gulf of Mexico storm

HOUSTON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- British energy company BP said it was keeping close tabs on Tropical Storm Karen moving through the Gulf of Mexico.

"BP is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Karen to ensure the safety of our personnel and operations in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico," the company said in its latest update Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center said Friday the storm had weakened somewhat but should strengthen again during the weekend at it heads north toward the southern U.S. coast. It had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.

BP said earlier this week it was securing offshore facilities and rigs and evacuating non-essential personnel from its Thunder Horse, Na Kika, Atlantis and Mad Dog platforms in the gulf as a precaution.