HOUSTON —
NOTE: This page will no longer be updated. We're now updating coverage of the Hurricane Ida here.
The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Ida has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane Friday afternoon..
The NHC said at 12:15 p.m. data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicated that Ida has strengthened to a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. Tropical storm conditions are occurring on Cayo Largo, Cuba
Earlier Friday, NHC said they expect the system to approach the northern Gulf coast with a landfall in Louisiana likely on Sunday, the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
The storm currently is moving northwest at 15 mph.
A storm surge of "7 to 11 feet above ground level is possible within the area from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, including Lake Borgne. Interests in these areas should follow any advice given by local officials," warns the National Hurricane Center.
The hurricane could be a Category 3 at landfall where it will then weaken to a tropical storm status again shortly after, says KHOU 11 Meteorologist Chita Craft.
Hurricane Ida forecast cone as of 12:15 p.m. Friday:
National Hurricane Center messaging — 10 a.m. Friday:
1. Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions are expected later today and tonight in portions of western Cuba, including the Isle of Youth, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Life-threatening heavy rains, flash flooding and mudslides are expected across Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and western Cuba, including the Isle of Youth.
2. The risk of life-threatening storm surge inundation is increasing along the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Inundation of 7 to 11 feet above ground level is possible within the area from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, including Lake Borgne. Interests in these areas should follow any advice given by local officials.
3. Ida is expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the northern Gulf Coast on Sunday, and the risk of hurricane-force winds continues to increase, especially along portions of the Louisiana coast, including metropolitan New Orleans. Potentially devastating wind damage could occur where the core of Ida moves onshore.
4. Ida is likely to produce heavy rainfall later Sunday into Monday across the central Gulf Coast from southeast Louisiana to coastal Mississippi and Alabama, as well as the Lower Mississippi Valley, resulting in considerable flash, urban, small stream, and riverine flooding.
Tracking Hurricane Ida
