August 28, 2008 Louisiana issues state of emergency as Gustav threatens Play video

(NECN) - Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has issued a state of emergency as Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast.

Gustav has weakened to a tropical storm, but is expected to strengthen again as it approaches the United States -- possibly becoming a strong hurricane.

The storm has already killed 23 people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Three-thousand National Guard troops have been activated in Louisiana.

If Gustav becomes a category three hurricane before landfall New Orleans will institute a mandatory evacuation order.

Gustav is expected to pass close to Jamaica today before moving toward the Gulf Coast.