Hurricane Update: Ida Rapidly Strengthens Overnight, Bears Down on Gulf Coast

 As of 7am, Hurricane Ida had winds of 150 mph, as rapid strengthening continues. Ida was 60 miles south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River, or 75 miles south-southeast of Grand Isle, Louisiana. 

Strong winds have already begun to reach the Louisiana coast, and those winds will increase this morning. Ida should make landfall this afternoon. 

Ida may strengthen a bit further before landfall. After landfall, it should rapidly weaken but still dump heavy rainfall far inland. 

Storm surges of 12 to 16 feet will occur today along the coastline from Morgan City, Louisiana to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Several feet of storm surge is expected elsewhere. 

In addition to the surge and damaging winds, southeastern Louisiana will be getting 15 to 20 inches of rain, which is expected to cause significant flooding. A large portion of southern Louisiana, coastal Alabama, southern Mississippi, and the western part of the Florida Panhandle will get 7 to 12 inches of rain. 

In short:

•  Winds: Ida will bring strong winds of 150 mph, possibly a bit higher, with gusts to 175 mph along southeastern Louisiana; strong winds are expected elsewhere in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
• Rainfall: Over a foot of rain is anticipated to fall in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi, with several inches in other nearby areas. 
• Surge: 12 to 16 foot storm surges will cause significant coastal damage.

Satellite image from 7:52 am: