The forecasted weakening of Ida is occurring as it has encountered the cooler waters in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the hostile upper level winds. It is difficult to make out the center of circulation on satellite imagery at this point and much of the rain and weather seems to be displaced from the center of circulation. The heavy rains will be falling on the northern Gulf Coast through the day today prior to any official landfall. Storm surge effects with high waves are always a concern in this region especially along the right side of the storm in the Florida Panhandle. Wind threats are diminishing as the system is currently down to 70 mph with continued weakening expected. With Ida being sheared apart, it is also possible for the highest winds to be displaced to the right of the center of the storm along with the bulk of the nasty weather. This is a good reason not to focus on where the center is going, but where the majority of the bad weather will be. The storm is still forecast to take it's right turn but is expected to be mainly a northern Florida threat as it will be weakening rapidly.
The forecast cone has been focused, and South Florida is basically clear from any direct effects from Ida. We still have the indirect effects of gusty winds, high surf, and dangerous rip currents at the beaches. Winds have been sustained up to around 30 mph over the past day and gusts have been as high as 40 mph, and the same can be expected to continue. A Wind Advisory has been issued for today in addition to Gale Warnings for the waters surrounding South Florida. Waves will be from 5 feet in the immediate coastal waters to as high as 10 feet in the Gulf Stream. A cool front will pass and begin to clear us out for Wednesday night and through the end of the week with some cooler drier weather.
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