Hurricane Ida forecast to strengthen as it nears Louisiana
By REBECCA SANTANA and KEVIN McGILL
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Residents of south Louisiana are bracing for the approach of what is expected to be a rapidly intensifying Hurricane Ida. The potent storm is expected to bring winds as high as 130 mph when it slams ashore Sunday afternoon — along with dangerous coastal storm surges and flooding rains. Ida was still a depression two days ago but by Saturday night it was a Category 2 hurricane packing 105 mph winds. Forecasters predict further strengthening is imminent and say Ida is likely to become an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane as it nears Louisiana’s coast. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations have been called around the region, including New Orleans.
