Tropical Storm Karen or Hurricane Karen?

Which foreboding moniker will strike the southeast region of the United States this weekend? That distinction comes down to wind speed, according to USA Today's report. Winds over 74 mph mean hurricane; over 40 mph mean tropical storm, according to the University of Illinois' website.

According to USA Today, as of 8 a.m. this morning, Tropical Storm Karen's winds are huffing at 60 mph about 275 miles from the Mississippi River. The force of nature is expected to touch land either Saturday or Sunday. Residents from Louisiana to Florida are on alert. Track Karen's progress at the weather channel here.

"Our forecast calls for it to be right around the border of a hurricane and a tropical storm," said David Zelinsky, a hurricane center meteorologist said to ABC News.

The possibility of a hurricane or tropical storm also depends on geography.

"A hurricane watch was in effect from Grand Isle, La., to west of Destin, Fla," USA Today reported. "A tropical storm warning was issued for the Louisiana coast from Grand Isle to the mouth of the Pearl River, including the New Orleans area."

Whatever Karen's classification becomes and wherever she strikes, her presence transcends the government shutdown. President Barack Obama has assured the necessary resources to combat the storm, according to White House spokesperson Jay Carney. USA today reported government workers on furlough are being recalled for extra staffing.

Meteorologists predict coastal flooding, property damage, fallen trees, and power outages, USA Today reported. The governors of Alabama and Mississippi declared a state of emergency while Gov. Rick Scott of Florida issued that proclamation is 18 counties throughout the state. For Misissipip high schoolers, as per ABC News, Friday night football may be cancelled.

"I know that Friday night football in the South is a big thing, but I don't think anybody wants to risk a life because of the potential winds," State Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Latham said.