Ida is now a Category One hurricane as it moves toward the western tip of Cuba and on into the Gulf. The storm is expected to grow to Category 3 or perhaps higher before a Sunday landfall. National Weather Service forecaster Jared Klein says it’s too early to know where the heaviest rain will fall, but know the system has the potential to drop up to 20 inches in some areas…:
CUT 09 (05) “…Monday”
He says to be wary of potential flash flooding as Ida comes ashore Sunday.

Governor Edwards says he is requesting a federal Declaration of Emergency for Louisiana ahead of Ida’s landfall. Mr Edwards formally declared a state of emergency for Hurricane Ida yesterday afternoon. Ida is expected to make landfall late Sunday evening or Monday morning.

Utility providers are preparing for Hurricane Ida’s arrival Sunday, with the intent being to restore lost power as safely and quickly as possible. Entergy Louisiana VP John Hawkins Jr says their crews are on standby and they have called on extra contractors to assist in Ida’s wake…:
CUT 12 (09) “…this storm”

Ida’s winds may not only threaten homes and businesses; farmland could also be significantly damaged. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says caner farmers are especially concerned with Ida’s track…:
CUT 15 (07) “…target zone”
Rippey says rice harvest is just getting underway, so that’s another concern.