At midnight, the National Hurricane Center reported Ida is moving toward the north-northwest near 14 mph. A turn toward the north and an increase in forward speed are expected during the next 24 hours, followed by a turn to the northeast on Monday night.

The current center is 24.4 N 87.5 W.

On the forecast track, Ida is expected to cross the Gulf of Mexico tonight and Monday and approach the northern Gulf Coast Monday night or early Tuesday.Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph with higher gusts. Ida is a category 2. Gradual weakening is forecast but Ida is expected to remain a hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast.

At 9:54 p.m., the NWS Birmingham updated its wind advisory for Dallas and surrounding counties. A wind advisory remains in effect from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, mainly along and south of a Demopolis-to-Auburn line.

Sustained easterly winds of 15 to 25 mph can be expected by Monday afternoon. A few wind gusts of 30-to35 mph are possible. These winds will likely last into Monday night and Tuesday.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles driving in a north or south direction. Tree limbs and weaker trees may fall because of the winds. Use extra caution.