Hurricane Ida is now a category one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, and the storm is forecast to strengthen into a category two hurricane with winds of 100 mph later today. As of 7:00 a.m. EST Ida had sustained winds of 90 mph and was moving NW toward the Yucatan Peninsula and into the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Warnings are now in effect for much of the Peninsula, including the popular tourist destination of Cancun.
The question with Ida is what impact will it have on the U.S.? The current official tract for Ida brings the system as a category one hurricane just off the coast of Louisiana at 12:00 A.M. Tuesday. The Track does not bring the system crossing over land and curves Ida to the east in the Gulf and then south where the storm will dissipate due to high wind shear and colder waters. If the current track is correct, much of the Gulf coast will experience tropical storm force winds and significant rain. If the system takes a more NW track, Ida could impact the U.S. as a category one hurricane. The NHC is advising interests along the Gulf to monitor their local National Weather Service office for more information.
NOAA Hurricane Ida Track
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