Tropical Strom Ida to form near Cayman islands and Jamaica

On Thursday in the Caribbean, a depression intensified into a tropical storm. This tropical storm would change into a major hurricane force when it would be reaching near the Gulf Coast of the U.S. This transformation was forecasted to take place in the next few days. The Governments of Cuba and Cayman had issued a tropical storm warning during the formation of Tropical storm Ida.

According to the forecast, Tropical Storm Ida would be intensified into a hurricane as it reached the area near Western Cuba and the Southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Friday. When it would be reaching the Northern Gulf Coast of the U.S. on Sunday, it would change into a major hurricane. The central U.S. Gulf Coast might be experiencing rain and gusty winds due to the storm from early Sunday.

The Hurricane Center said, “There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge, damaging hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall Sunday and Monday, especially along the coast of Louisiana.”

On past, Thursday Ida had sustained the fastest winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and was moving towards the area of the northwest at a speed of 14 mph (22 kph). It was present at about 100 miles (160 kilometres) west of Negril, Jamaica, and about 130 miles (205 kilometres) southeast of Grand Cayman.

According to the forecast, the storm would be responsible for 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimetres) of rain over parts of Jamaica, Cuba, and the sister island of the Cayman Islands. Forecasters warned for probable flash floods and mudslides and a storm surge of as much as 2 to 4 feet (.61 to 1 meter) that would be above average, accompanied by large and destructive waves.

The Government of Cayman Islands warned that nonessential government offices would remain close at’ 2:30 p.m. Thursday, and four shelters were activated.