Sunday Nov 8th, 2009 - 0700: 
Ida, now a 90MPH hurricane moving NW at 12MPH, has a complex future. Due to very complex weather patterns in the Gulf, Ida's exact future is almost a mystery novel. As Ida, enters the Gulf, conditions will become more hostile and then increasingly hostile in the 48 hour timeframe with cooler waters and increased shear. In that timeframe, Ida should lose her tropical characteristics and transition to extratropical. We are expecting tropical force winds and strong rains along the Gulf Coast in 48 to 72 hours. Up to 3 inches of rain in some places. However, as Ida will likely be extratropical at that point, local National Weather Service offices will be handling the watches and warnings. The models are split over the exact path. Several models (including the ECMWF) shows an extratropical system tracking across the southeastern US, the GFS model leaves the remnants of Ida behind a low and absorbed by a large frontal system over the SE US. Watching Ida will prove interesting and an opportunity to see some complex weather patterns at work.

All those along the northern Gulf Coast need to monitor local weather watches and warnings. Be wary of flood prone areas and prepare to leave if needed. As always, have your "go" bags ready and stay prepared.