Tropical Storm Sally forecast to become hurricane as it targets New Orleans, gulf states - NBC News

Tropical Storm Sally is strengthening as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico, taking aim at southern Louisiana and Mississippi, and National Weather Service projections show the system could become a hurricane by Monday afternoon.

The storm is expected to make landfall late Tuesday in Louisiana, followed by the system moving into South Mississippi, according to the National Weather Service Birmingham.

“While we ultimately don’t know where Sally will make landfall, much of Southeast Louisiana is in the storm’s cone and the risk of tropical storm force or hurricane strength winds continues to increase.

“Barely two weeks ago, Louisiana suffered a devastating blow when Hurricane Laura came ashore as the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in Louisiana history, leaving a trail of destruction in its path," Edwards said.

update on Sunday from the National Weather Service New Orleans, officials said the storm was forecast to become a category 2 hurricane before making landfall.

Storm surge is also expected by Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas and Lake Borgne

A hurricane warning was in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, including Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas and metropolitan New Orleans, according to the NHS