Ida returns to tropical storm strength

MIAMI — Ida has become a tropical storm again, with top winds of 45 mph (72 kph), as it swirls in the Caribbean on a track that could bring it to the U.S. Gulf Coast next week.

Ida came ashore in Nicaragua as a hurricane Thursday before weakening and dumping rain on Central America. Thousands were evacuated but no deaths were reported.

(enlarge photo) This NOAA satellite image taken Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at 3:45 a.m. EST shows clear skies over much of the East as a high pressure system continues to dominate the area, bringing dry conditions. A mass of clouds east of the Yucatan Peninsula is associated with Tropical Depression Ida. (AP PHOTO/WEATHER UNDERGROUND)

The storm edged back over the Caribbean the next day, where nourishing waters are helping it build its muscle back up.

The still tentative forecast track showed Ida grazing the Cancun region of Mexico early next week, then taking aim at the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Early Saturday, the storm was centered about 135 miles (215 kilometers) northeast of Limon Hondurus, and it was moving north at near 8 mph (13 kph).

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