Tropical Storm Ida threatens tourists in Yucatan Peninsula & Cayman Islands

November 7, 10:51 AMDallas Tropical Travel ExaminerDebbra Brouillette

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   Tropical Storm Ida's Path as of 11-7-09 (Credit: National Hurricane Center)

While the hurricane season still has three weeks before it officially ends on November 30th, it's been an underwhelming storm season overall in the Atlantic. Hopefully, Ida will be the last of the season. Still a tropical storm, she is strengthening over the northwest Caribbean Sea, causing the government of Mexico to issue a hurricane watch for the area from Tulum to Cabo Catoche, and a tropical storm warning from Punta Allen northward to San Felipe.

Cozumel tourists are also watching the storm's path, which is currently about 250 miles southeast of the area.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Grand Cayman Island and the western tip of Cuba is also being threatened.

The good news is that Ida is expected to move into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by Sunday night, and though Ida could strengthen to approach hurricane strength on Sunday, it is expected to weaken again after entering the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Ida's current maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph and won't reach hurricane status until winds are at a minimum of 74 mph. A Category 1 hurricane has winds ranging from 74-95 mph. The National Hurricane Center defines the effects of a Category 1 storm as follows: Damaging winds are expected. No real damage to building structures. Damage primarly to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

So what can we expect from late-comer Ida? Mostly rain – 3-5 inches and up to 10 inches in isolated areas – over portions of the Yucutan and western Cuba, while Cayman tourists should only have to contend with an inch or two.

Tourists and residents of the Florida Panhandle, coastal Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana are in the storm's path for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week.

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