Ida spurs tropical storm warnings in Caribbean

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

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.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

MIAMI (AP) -- A tropical storm warning has been issued for Grand Cayman Island as Ida gains strength over Caribbean waters.

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.

The warning means tropical storm conditions are expected on Grand Cayman in 24 hours or less.

Tropical Storm Ida, which was packing winds of 45 mph (75 kmh), was expected to approach the Yucatan Channel on Sunday. A tropical storm watch was in effect for the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Punta Allen north to San Felipe, and for the Cuban province of Pinar Del Rio.

Ida was moving toward the north at about 8 mph (13 kmh). It was centered about 220 miles southwest of Grand Cayman Island.