Hurricane Ike was churning across Cuba today, on track to swipe the low-lying Florida Keys before heading into the Gulf of Mexico.

People along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas are watching the storm's unpredictable path, uncertain of where it is likely to hit late this week. Forecasters said it could be anywhere from Texas to the Florida Panhandle.

Residents of coastal Louisiana are particularly concerned about the Category 2 hurricane. Residents, businesses and government are still repairing damage and restoring electrical power after Hurricane Gustav last week.

Gov. Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency and is urging residents to prepare to head north for the second time in 10 days.

Ike slammed into eastern Cuba Sunday night, tearing off roofs, toppling trees and sending huge waves crashing into buildings, as some 900,000 Cubans fled to shelters or higher ground.

The hurricane is expected to tear across almost the entire length of Cuba, then enter the Gulf of Mexico.

From The Associated Press