Hurricane Ida Expected to Intensify to a Cat 4

(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 along some parts of the coast.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Mississippi/Alabama border to the Alabama/Florida border.