Heads Up - Tropical Storm Ida could strike Gulf Coast

Hello all -
Just a quick update this evening to tell you about unusual Tropical Storm Ida...not because of where it is but because of where it might go. After it hits Nicaragua (overnight) and moves over land, it will probably get out over the northwest Caribbean and then into the Gulf. Forecast models suggest that it will make landfall...possibly upper Texas Coast but more likely somewhere from Louisiana to Alabama coast. If it hits Texas, this will be a new record latest storm...historically latest tropical storm strike was October 17th and latest hurricane was October 15th. The scenario we are facing looks like one of the best chances to break the record. The timing would be around Tuesday/Wednesday.

The other question is how much will it strengthen over the Gulf. Intensity forecasting is a very inexact science. But, I would not rule out a hurricane (at least a low end one).

More to come.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman