Ida losing form

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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Meteorologist Josh Linker said the storm is transitioning into a non-tropical system.

BAY NEWS 9 (updated 11 p.m.) -- Tropical Storm Ida has weakened slightly and is losing form as it heads north.

"It's really losing its identity as a tropical system becoming a more non-tropical, cold core situation as it's merging with an upper level low, a frontal system," said Bay News 9 meteorologist Josh Linker.

Tropical warnings remain in effect for part of the Gulf Coast, stretching from Grand Isle, La., to east to Aucilla River, Fla.

Linker said by morning the storm won't be a tropical system but will still bring heavy rain and winds.

Weather resources

"Really by the morning position tomorrow, it really wont even be tropical, just some heavy rain and wind out there," Linker said.

Gov. Charlie Crist, in anticipation of the storm's landfall, declared a state of emergency Monday.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has also declared a state of emergency as a precaution.

The 10 p.m. advisory puts Ida's maximum sustained winds at 65 mph with higher gusts. The storm is moving north at 13 mph and is expected to turn to the east on Tuesday.

Linker said the Bay area may see rain and gusty winds from the system late Tuesday and Wednesday.

The latest position puts the center of the storm near 29.3N 88.6W, or about 100 miles south-southwest of Mobile.

Bay News 9 meteorologists will continue to monitor Ida to see how the storm will affect the Bay area. Watch Weather on the Nines to find out the latest.