It's a bit unusual to see a tropical storm in the Gulf this late in the year. So it's easy to let your guard down. But Francisco Sanchez with the Harris County Office of Emergency Management says we live in a disaster-prone region and as the government slogan goes, should always be ready.

"Hurricane season doesn't end until November 30th. We've been very fortunate this year and it looks like we'll have a good year as far as staying out of harm's way from a hurricane. But it's always a reminder to always be prepared, especially as we start to move out of hurricane season. Our community should remember that being prepared for a hurricane also means being prepared for any other type of disaster."

Sanchez says hurricane season or not, Houstonians should always be prepared with a disaster plan and supply kit.

"We're watching the storm closely. Obviously it doesn't pose any threat to the Texas coast, but any time there's a hurricane in the Gulf we obviously take interest and we watch. We're certainly monitoring it and we'll be ready to help our neighbors if they need our help."

Ida is mainly a threat to Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, although the eastern tip of Louisiana is also at risk.

Laurie Johnson. KUHF-Houston Public Radio News.