Nation Hurricane Ida forecast to reach Category 4 strength as Louisiana coast braces for direct hit August 27, 2021August 27, 2021Doyle Rice and Christal Hayes, USA TODAYComments Off on Hurricane Ida forecast to reach Category 4 strength as Louisiana coast braces for direct hit Ida was forecast to reach Category 4 strength, with winds estimated at 140 mph, before it makes landfall Sunday afternoon or evening.