Ida reorganizes, early Tuesday landfall, heavy precip expected
November 9, 2009
Tropical Storm Ida is currently just below hurricane strength, with recorded sustained winds at 70 mph. Landfall is expected overnight, and rain bands north of the system are already affecting the Gulf Coast.
Earlier today, the system showed strong signs of weakening and transition due to moderate shear and cooler water temperatures along with some dry air entrainment. However, an afternoon burst of convection near the eye has allowed Ida to maintain strength, and the NHC forecasters expect the system to remain tropical in its characteristics overnight.
Post landfall, Ida will move sharply to the east as an extratropical system. The main threat from Ida will be flooding and potential severe thunderstorm activity inland as the moderate shear will feed convective aspects along with energy associated with the transition. Coastal regions are already preparing for potential flooding.
We will continue to monitor the system as it makes landfall.
