Ida is a tropical storm again.

The Florida panhandle is definitely going to feel some effects from Tropical Storm Ida in a couple of days. All the computer models show it crossing or at least coming near Northwest Florida. The official track is pointing it a bit more towards Panama City, but of course, areas to the west and east are still in the cone of uncertainty. Also, the storm's wind and rain will extend far beyond a single point on the map. Folks in low lying areas should prepare for storm surge as well. Even if Ida is "only" a tropical storm, it could still cause flooding from rising waters as well as rainfall. It's probably a good idea to secure anything that can blow around. We don't know what kind of winds we'll feel, and it's better to be safe than sorry.