MIAMI -- Hurricane Ike has now emerged back into the Gulf of Mexico, and appears to be on a collision course with South Texas.
The storm is expected to strengthen before it hits sometime this weekend.
Ike has been tearing across Cuba for the last two days -- destroying homes and knocking out power to much of the eastern half of the island.
Ike is being blamed for 80 deaths, including four in Cuba and 74 in Haiti.
Meanwhile, South Florida took a pounding Tuesday from outer rain bands from the storm.
Several tornado warnings were issued for the Florida Keys, and the weather is being for some minor damage and flooding in parts of South Florida.
One place breathing a little easier is Louisiana, which will likely avoid a hit from the storm.
On Tuesday, thousands still suffering from a hit from Hurricane Gustav lined up for food stamps.
Thousands in the state remain without power.
Track the paths of Ike with our Hurricane Tracker and downloadable map, available at the News 13 Hurricane Center.
Need help getting ready for a hurricane? News 13 on Demand, Bright House Networks Digital Cable Channel 313, has a Hurricane Center filled with vital information on what you can do to prepare for a storm. In the Severe Weather section, News 13's meteorologists show you how to be safe when a storm strikes.
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