Monday 7:25am - Hurricane Ida Now Category 1

7:25 A.M.
Hurricane Ida has weakened slightly and is now a category 1 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“Today in Tallahassee is really not going to be that bad because this thing is still a ways away,“ said Jeff Fournier, forecaster with the National Weather Service. “The timing of this is probably going to be tonight and into tomorrow where there would be a chance for tropical storm force winds.“

A tropical storm wind watch is in effect for Leon, Gadsden and inland portions of Wakulla and Jefferson counties.

A tropical storm wind warning is in effect for Bay, Walton, Gulf, Franklin, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Calhoun and Liberty counties.

“Fortunately tropical storm force winds don’t cause major destruction,“ Fournier said. “The main things that are vulnerable are patio furniture, garbage cans, anything that is unsecured. It would be a good idea during the day to put them inside or secure them.“

Fournier said winds of 20-30 mph are expected tonight through tomorrow evening, and some gusts could reach 40 mph. Rainy conditions, with rainfall totals projected at about 2-3 inches through Tuesday, are expected.

He noted that with strong winds, some smaller branches could be knocked down, so power outages could occur.

Those living along the coast could experience above normal tides and should not go out on boats, he said. Also, some low-lying coastal roads could flood.

“We think it’s already starting to become nontropical,“ Fournier said. “What that means is instead of being a hurricane, it’s going to start to turn into more like a low pressure system.“

Fournier said by Wednesday, what’s left of Ida will likely be east of us.

“The weather will markedly improve Tuesday night and into Wednesday,“ he said. “The rain will come to an end. It will still be kind of breezy but not as windy.“