Across Alabama, Florida and Mississippi the figure has hit 27,000 according to AP’s Jeff Amy.
At least 10,000 people are reported to be without power between Mobile County and Baldwin County.
An additional 4,000 people are without power across the state, but mostly on Dauphin Island in the south, according to Alabama power.
Alabama Power said on Twitter: “As Tropical Storm Gordon nears landfall, our customers in south Alabama are feeling the effects.
“More than 10,000 are without power.
Gulf Power, another electricity supplier, also used Twitter to say: “The northeast section of Gordon continues to pound away at us with about 10,000 customers without power. Primarily in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
“Thank you for your patience as our crews work through the night and weather to restore power.”
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission warned: “Power is already out for thousands in Gordon’s path.
“If you have any relatives with portable generators now is the time to remind them to use them safely.
“It’s critical to keep portable generators outdoors and at least 20ft away from homes.”
The governors of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana have all declared states of emergency as the storm approaches.
Meteorologist Pat Walker said: “Gordon is making landfall with advised max sustained winds of 70 mph near the MS/AL border.
“It will continue to bring heavy rain, severe weather and flooding to Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.
“It will weaken overnight.
“Winds will be down to 40mph at 10am Wednesday.”