Thread by @AP

Hurricane Ida has been rapidly intensifying, becoming a dangerous Category 4 hurricane on track for a potentially devastating landfall on the Louisiana coast. The system’s top winds grew to 150 mph as it moved through the northern Gulf. apne.ws/ebiQe6K

Louisiana hospitals already packed with patients from the latest COVID-19 surge are bracing for the Category 4 hurricane, which is expected to make landfall Sunday afternoon. apne.ws/1v32ubS

The National Hurricane Center says Ida is forecast to make landfall at 155 mph, just 1 mph shy of a Category 5 hurricane. Only four Category 5 hurricanes have made landfall in the United States. apne.ws/HT7bXzo

Hurricane force winds have now reached parts of southeast Louisiana. The system was expected to make landfall Sunday afternoon, on the exact date Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi 16 years earlier. apne.ws/r87vJnn

As hurricane force winds begin to hit Louisiana, @AP's @borenbears explains how the storm intensified and how it compares to Hurricane Katrina, which hit 16 years ago today.

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The National Hurricane Center says Ida is expected to maintain its strength just a few mph shy of a Category 5 hurricane until it makes landfall in Louisiana. Forecasters warned winds stronger than 115 mph were expected soon in Houma, a city of 33,000. apne.ws/3gvaP9D

Hurricane Ida makes landfall in Louisiana as one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever strike US with 150 mph winds. apne.ws/IvdNU0o

Hurricane Ida is among some of the strongest and fastest intensifying storms in more than 150 years of hurricane records. It’s the 17th storm to hit the U.S. in the past two years and the sixth of 2021. apne.ws/aKmh7uA

@AP "Our bank account is empty – we can’t afford to leave." As Hurricane Ida rips into South Louisiana, low-income residents with scant resources are unable to flee and are forced to ride out the massive storm in their neighborhoods. apne.ws/svwWFNX