Ida spurs tropical storm warnings in Caribbean

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of Mexico and Cuba as Ida rapidly gains strength over Caribbean waters.

A hurricane watch was also issued for part of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

The warnings were issued for parts of the Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. A tropical storm warning was also in effect for Grand Cayman Island.

A tentative forecast track from the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami shows the storm could hit the U.S. Gulf Coast next week.

Tropical Storm Ida, which was packing winds of 60 mph (95 kmh), was expected to approach the Yucatan Channel on Sunday.

Ida was moving toward the north at about 9 mph (15 kmh). It was centered about 255 miles (410 km) southwest of Cozumel, Mexico.