Despite the storm getting less organized over land, the National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Zeta is still expected to return to hurricane strength before hitting Louisiana tomorrow evening.
"On the forecast track, the center of Zeta will move over the central Gulf of Mexico tonight. Zeta is forecast to approach the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday, make landfall within the hurricane warning area late Wednesday or Wednesday night," according to the 4:00pm advisory.
The intensification has not started yet.
"Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts. Zeta is forecast to become a hurricane again tonight and is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength when it reaches the northern Gulf Coast late Wednesday."
WWL TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Franklin says, however, most of the rain and storms associated with Zeta have been pushed far to the east of the center.
He says it is still possible that if Zeta does make landfall in Southeast Louisiana, that the bulk of the impact will be over Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
Franklin adds that even if the forecast does hold, the effects in Louisiana will not be devastating... with some wind damage and power outages.
He says dry air, wind shear and cooler waters will all make it challenging for Zeta.
Click here to see what the Hurricane Center expects from Zeta...
