Gulf Storm May Help Ease Drought

NEW ORLEANS — Tropical Storm Beryl was downgraded to a tropical depression Tuesday as it moved inland and weakened. Its passing left one person missing in the Gulf of Mexico but raised hopes that rain on its fringes would bring relief to drought-stricken Midwest farms.

There was little damage in southern Louisiana, with flooding in some spots and tree limbs blown down. Downed trees and loss of power were reported in scattered areas of southern Mississippi.

In New Orleans, where preparations continued for the Republican National Convention next week, the weather caused few problems.

“The beneficial aspects of this tropical storm are probably much greater than any negative effects from this system--and that’s rain,” said Bob Sheets, director of the National Hurricane Center in Coral Gables, Fla.