Recon indicates the pressure is 946MB, and the winds are 100MPH. The only problem is that a 946MB Hurricane is usually a Cat 3 or 4. So what does this mean??
It likely means that Ike is going though an eyewall replacement cycle. With an eye of 10NM, the stage is now set for a very strong intensification cycle today. Everything we know about Hurricanes indicate that its probable. Its possible that by close of business today, you may have a Cat 4 Hurricane in the GOM!!!!
Residents in Texas need to listen to warnings that are issued. This is an extremely large Hurricane. Hurricane force winds will extend well away from the center.
Originally posted by original_ftg: With the pressure and location in the Gulf, I'm surprised that the latest report has shown NO increase in speeds!
...although...this storm is HUGE in size! Stay safe down there!
Well, I certainly dont have the expertese to tell anyone why it is that Ike hasnt responded to pressure drops. Dry air maybe?? Thats the only thing I see that stands out.
I've been looking at some of the comments on the Houston Chronicle's website downplaying this storm. I think a lot of them are going to be caught with their pants down.
GULF-FACING COASTLINE WEST OF SARGENT...4 TO 6 FEET
SHORELINE OF MATAGORDA BAY...2 TO 5 FEET
GULF-FACING COASTLINE FROM SARGENT TO SAN LUIS PASS...12 TO 15 FEET
GULF-FACING COASTLINE SAN LUIS PASS TO HIGH ISLAND INCLUDING GALVESTON ISLAND......15 TO 20 FEET
SHORELINE OF GALVESTON BAY...15 TO 25 FEET
LIFE THREATENING INUNDATION LIKELY!
ALL NEIGHBORHOODS...AND POSSIBLY ENTIRE COASTAL COMMUNITIES... WILL BE INUNDATED DURING THE PERIOD OF PEAK STORM TIDE. PERSONS NOT HEEDING EVACUATION ORDERS IN SINGLE FAMILY ONE OR TWO STORY HOMES MAY FACE CERTAIN DEATH. MANY RESIDENCES OF AVERAGE CONSTRUCTION DIRECTLY ON THE COAST WILL BE DESTROYED. WIDESPREAD AND DEVASTATING PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE IS LIKELY ELSEWHERE. VEHICLES LEFT BEHIND WILL LIKELY BE SWEPT AWAY. NUMEROUS ROADS WILL BE SWAMPED...SOME MAY BE WASHED AWAY BY THE WATER. ENTIRE FLOOD PRONE COASTAL COMMUNITIES WILL BE CUTOFF. WATER LEVELS MAY EXCEED 9 FEET FOR MORE THAN A MILE INLAND. COASTAL RESIDENTS IN MULTI-STORY FACILITIES RISK BEING CUTOFF. CONDITIONS WILL BE WORSENED BY BATTERING WAVES CLOSER TO THE COAST. SUCH WAVES WILL EXACERBATE PROPERTY DAMAGE...WITH MASSIVE DESTRUCTION OF HOMES...INCLUDING THOSE OF BLOCK CONSTRUCTION. DAMAGE FROM BEACH EROSION COULD TAKE YEARS TO REPAIR.
