For interests in the gulf coast states… Ida currently as a Tropical Storm, is forecast to intensify within the next 12 hours to Hurricane strength. As the storm progresses northward into the Gulf of Mexico, it will encounter areas with increased wind shear and cooler waters and will weaken again. The question mark in this forecast track is in the 60 to 72 hour period where it will interact with a mid level trough descending through the states, and transition into an Extratropical system. Eventually the storm will be absorbed by a frontal boundary and no longer be considered a tropical system around the 5 day mark. This system looks to have a very minimal impact, if any to north Texas. Interests in west central Florida should keep an eye on this storm still as it could have an impact, be it heavy rains and gusty winds or more.
