The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Ida is getting stronger, and will be a monster storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
"The new NHC intensity forecast calls for rapid intensification to Category 4 strength during the next 24 hours," federal forecasters advised.
Listen to your favorite News/Talk station now on Audacy
Ida moved into the Gulf last night, and it is getting stronger.
The Hurricane Center says the path is not changing.
"The track guidance remains in remarkably good agreement through 36 hours, and the new NHC track forecast is essentially unchanged during that time, and continues to indicate that Ida will reach the coast of Louisiana on Sunday."
The eye is currently forecast to come ashore near Morgan City, Louisiana. If that track holds, Ida would have less severe impacts on the most populated areas of Southeast Louisiana. The path, however, could change. Any shifts to the east will increase what the New Orleans metro area experiences.
Where the worst of the impacts are felt, forecasters say it will be catastrophic damage.
The Hurricane Center says a category four hurricane leaves areas "uninhabitable" in its wake.
"Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months."
Mandatory evacuations are in place for everyone in St.
Charles Parish, Lafourche Parish and Terrebonne Parish. Everyone outside the levee protection is also a mandatory evacuation in Jefferson, Orleans, and Plaquemines Parish.
The rest of the area is under a voluntary evacuation.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram