Little Change Reported In Strength Of Tropical Storm

The storm had maximum sustained winds of only 45 miles per hour , and forecasters were actually doubtful it was that strong.

Tropical Storm Ida isn’t going anywhere fast. A slow meandering motion is forecast to occur during the day today and into the night.

There is no need to be worry about a storm threat at this point though as upper level wind shear will likely stymie any true tropical system from forming in the Gulf during this time period despite what some computer models show. DPR found that some thunderstorms were dropping rain at a rate of over 142 mm (5.6 inches) per hour.

Ida is centred about 965 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and is now moving east-southeast around 5mph.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb (29.62 inches). The storm was moving northwest at a speed of 8mph.

“Ida continues to be a sheared cyclone with the low-level center located to the northwest of an area of very deep convection”, said Senior Hurricane Specialist Lixion Avila in a Tuesday morning forecast discussion message.

Meanwhile, a tropical depression that moved from the Pacific over Mexico has dissipated. According to a report from NOLA.com, forecasters predict that the storm may become a hurricane as soon as this Saturday.