The 998 is interesting, It looks like a rather low pressure reading for the wind speeds but I'm presuming that's because the pressure gradient is relatively shallow. Tomas is a big storm and you can see the pressures dropping and rising relatively slowly compared to other, smaller storms.

It makes sense. just an interesting detail.

Another point is that the Vortex message says the center is just a wee bit displaced, as such, it's probably hindering the windspeeds and development just a hair. Not enough to stop the system from strengthening by any means, just enough to keep it from already being a moderate tropical storm.