Gustav no longer expected to gain strength

Gustav comes ashore
One of the first bands of wind and rain from Hurricane Gustav arrive in August 31, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. According the National Hurricane Center Gustav downgraded to Category 3 with top winds near 125 mph early Sunday. Forecasters expected it to regain strength later in the day.
Stephen Morton/Getty Images

Forecasters say Hurricane Gustav is no longer expected to gain strength before it slams into the Louisiana coast around midday.

The National Hurricane Center says Gustav remains a Category 3 storm with top sustained winds near 115 mph as it roars in from the Gulf of Mexico.

Earlier forecasts had said Gustav might get stronger before coming ashore. Category 3 storms have winds between 111 mph and 130 mph.

At 4 a.m. CDT Monday, Gustav was centered about 115 miles south-southeast of New Orleans and was moving northwest near 16 mph.

-

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.