Ida nearing Hurricane Force...

I didn't plan on posting until the 4 pm update, but there are some nuggets I've found.   Satellite views continue to show a better organizing storm, especially around the core.  I would not be surprised to see an eye feature pop during the next couple of hours.  NHC now has increased Ida's winds to 65 mph.

The arrow pinpoints the center that is nearing the old Isle of Pines south of Cuba. if you looked at the new 10 m track, one would say little change, which would be correct.  However, NHC now has a "M" indicating major hurricane strength (120 mph) at landfall

In addition, if you're following the center line track, there has been a slight (15-20) miles) shift to the WEST,

So instead of going right over Houma, it now is between Houma & Morgan City.   Is this the start of a westward trend?   Too soon to tell.  But it's something to watch on the next model runs.  The increase in landfalling winds is due to many models showing a Cat. 3 strength with one into Cat. 4.

So there has been nothing to change the thinking that the Louisiana coastline will receive major impacts from Ida.  I expect the 4 PM advisory will put up Hurricane Warnings for us and local officials will then order evacuations.

our rains today have NOTHING to do with Ida.  There is a weakening upper low south of our coast which will be gone by the time Ida arrives.  Ida will not reach the Gulf until after midnight.  There still is time for the track to keep nudging to the west as models suggest.  We would still be on the strong/wet side with major impacts extending far from the center.  At 4 pm, I'll help you make the decision to stay or leave.  Stay tuned!