Read earlier that this storm could possibly reach cat 3 status. Living hear in eastern N.C. I have seen many storms intensify along the gulf stream just before landfall or recurving away from shore. I also read the other day that sst in the area was above 85f. How much of a factor would this play if the storm decided to hit anywhere south of Cape Hatteras to Jax Fla. ? JC

you and carolinagurl probably have the most legitimate threat from this thing. the ssts will support a large hurricane... irene has to work out of the dry atmosphere and stop being the victim of shear... the developing outflow with the storm suggests this is happening, albeit slowly. irene should be significantly stronger in the coming days. -HF