Tropical Storm Nate poses weekend threat to Gulf Coast

NEW ORLEANS — Tropical Storm Nate formed Thursday morning in the southwestern Caribbean, and early forecast models show it taking aim this weekend at the central US Gulf Coast, likely as a minor hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. Nate’s forecast track had shifted slightly west by midmorning Thursday, putting New Orleans — with its compromised drainage system — directly in the storm’s sights. Anyone with Columbus Day weekend plans i