RITA

[GordMay]

As Hurricane “Rita” moves toward the Gulf Coast as a Category 5, 175-mph monster, with tropical storm force winds extending across a 370 mile diameter ...

Those of you following developments on ‘Rita’ may wonder what the implications of Eyewall Replacement Cycles, ( such as at the NOAA Discussion at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh...l/220843.shtml ) have on hurricane intensities.

See the article:
How hurricanes replace their eyewalls ~ By Chris Cappella, USATODAY.com
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/reso...lacement_x.htm

~ and more at ~

"Hurricane FAQs" : AOML Hurricane Research Division:
http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/tcfaqHED.html
specifically:
http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/D8.html

Great links as always GORD. I may be looking at he glass half empty, but I think they are mistaken in the guess that this storm will weaken to cat 3. I believe it will hit at cat 4 or 5. The big question is their inland projections. The coast is pretty much ready, but if this thing brings 100 mph+ winds far enough inland, we could end up with a bigger disaster than anyone ever thought of. Sure hope I am wrong.

[Drewbert]

Well here we go again. We're already getting some heavy wind and rain.
I don't see how this could possibly be worse than Katrina, especially since people are actually paying attention now that they've seen what happened to New Orleans.

[ssullivan]

Agreed. I don't think the loss of life will be there, since everyone is paying attention to this one. However... as for the petroleum industry... here comes another price spike in gas/diesel.

Also, it would seem this is doing some substantial damage to the economy / GDP.

Thank god for wind (In moderation)
Sounds like Galvaston may be spared.