Tropical Storm Ida Heads Towards Gulf Of Mexico, Could Become Major Hurricane Before Landfall

Update 7:41 a.m. CT:

Tropical Storm Ida was expected to make landfall in western Cuba Friday as the strengthening storm makes its way towards the Gulf of Mexico, tracking eastward to Louisiana.

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service in Houston, the storm will likely become a “major hurricane” by Saturday afternoon in the southern Gulf before it reaches the Louisiana coastline on Sunday.

The forecast predicts “life-threatening storm surge, damaging hurricane force winds, and heavy rainfall” along the coast of Louisiana by Monday.

Ida marks the ninth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predicted an especially active season this year, with as many as 21 named storms.

Impacts to Southeast Texas would likely be minimal over the weekend, with elevated tides and wave heights, strong rip currents, and sustained winds that could reach up to 30 mph. The storm also brings the possibility of minor coastal flooding, according to the forecast.

During a Thursday afternoon press conference, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the county activated its Emergency Operation Center to level three earlier in the day in case the storm veered towards the Houston area.

“We are hopeful that the weather will spare us,” she said. “But even if it does, we have to remember that it’s hurricane season. Chances are we’re going to have another storm come our way.”

Additional reporting by Paul DeBenedetto.