La. under state of emergency as Hurricane Ida strengthens

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Sunday as the U.S. Gulf Coast braced for the arrival of Hurricane Ida, which was making its way across the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 2 storm.
A hurricane watch was in effect from southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, meaning hurricane conditions were possible in the next day and a half. New Orleans was not included in the watch area.

The emergency declaration is a precaution that frees up state resources for any emergency situations. The National Guard and state agencies have been put on high alert so personnel and vehicles are available if needed.

Coastal stretches of southeast Louisiana, particularly areas outside levee protection, are the main concern. Forecasts indicate those areas could see winds, rains and high tides that could create localized flooding.


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Officials in Florida, Mississippi and Alabama were also keeping a close eye on the storm's track, though no emergency declarations or other measures had yet been issued.

Forecasters at the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Ida's winds are now near 100 mph, and Ida could get stronger later Sunday.