(Miami) -- Forecasters are warning of catastrophic damage on the Louisiana coast from Hurricane Ida. New Orleans is in the eye of the storm and widespread and immediate evacuations are underway in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Hurricane Ida could strengthen to a Category 4 by the time it makes landfall either late Sunday or early Monday.
Forecasters are warning of winds up to 140 miles an hour with storm surges of up to 15 feet that could effect some parts of the coast.
Tropical Storm Watches are posted from the Mississippi/Alabama border to the Alabama/Florida border.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* East of Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Louisiana to the Alabama/Florida border
* Vermilion Bay, Lake Borgne, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Mobile Bay
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Intracoastal City Louisiana to the Mouth of the Pearl River
* Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Metropolitan New Orleans
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Cameron Louisiana to west of Intracoastal City Louisiana
* Mouth of the Pearl River to the Alabama/Florida border