Posted on Mon, Nov. 09, 2009

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Gulf Coast has eye on hurricane

By BECKY BOHRER

Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — Hurricane Ida, the first Atlantic hurricane to target the United States this year, is heading toward the Gulf Coast with 105 mph winds, bringing the threat of flooding and storm surges.

Authorities said Ida could make landfall as early as Tuesday morning, although it was forecast to weaken by then.

A hurricane watch extended over more than 200 miles of coastline across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Louisiana's governor declared a state of emergency.

Officials and residents kept a close eye on the Category 2 hurricane, though there were no immediate plans for evacuations.

Sunday evening, Ida was located 445 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving northwest near 10 mph. National Hurricane Center forecasts showed Ida brushing near Louisiana and Mississippi, then making landfall near Alabama before continuing across north Florida.

Many residents took the forecast in stride.

"Even though we're telling everybody to be prepared, my gut tells me it probably won't be that bad," said Steve Arndt, director of Bay Point Marina Co. in Panama City, Fla.

In Louisiana, Gov. Bobby Jindal had declared a state of emergency as a precaution, and the National Guard was on high alert if assistance was needed. New Orleans wasn't included in the hurricane watch.

Mississippi authorities warned residents to be vigilant. Authorities were monitoring conditions to see whether any evacuations of lower-lying areas or school closures would be necessary.

In the Florida Panhandle, residents in Bay County and Panama City were being advised to secure boats and prepare for storm surges that could reach 2-3 feet. Heavy rain, wind and possible flooding was also expected.

"You really don't know until it gets close how you're going to be affected by it," said Brad Monroe, Bay County's deputy chief of emergency services.

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