Ida strengthens, Hurricane Watch expanded

With maximum sustained winds of around 100 miles per hour, Ida is now a category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.  Ida is moving northwest at around 10 miles per hour.  This general motion is expected to continue over the next day or so with a turn toward the north expected on Monday.  On this track, the center of Hurricane Ida will likely approach the Gulf coast of the United States by early Tuesday. 

The National Hurricane Center has expanded the Hurricane Watch to include more of the Gulf coast.  The watch is now in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana east to Mexico Beach, Florida.  The city of New Orleans is not included in the watch at this time.  Hurricane Warnings may be needed for portions of the watch area.

Ida is expected to lose tropical characteristics as it moves north but strong winds and heavy tropical rain will continue to be associated with the system.