New Orleans bracing for Hurricane Ida

Hurricane Ida is gathering strength in the Gulf of Mexico, forcing evacuations in New Orleans on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Recent satellite imagery showed the storm becoming better organized as it crosses the Gulf and it is expected to intensify over the next 24 hours.

Ida is anticipated to reach at least Category Four strength before making landfall, according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

In contrast, Katrina was a Category Three.

Tropical storm-force winds could reach New Orleans around 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Landfall is currently projected to happen west of New Orleans Sunday afternoon or evening.