Recon is not merely reporting back winds aloft. They also use very accurate SFMR measurements of the ocean. Combined with very scientifically sound reduction ratios of their flight-level records, as well as countless dropsondes that measure wind speed from flight level all the way down to the surface, and can even report with split-second increments, the Recon data is exceptionally accurate.

As stated above, buoys are *not* typically 'placed' in advance to capture the areas of maximum sustained winds, and also tend to have a low bias, regardless, a result of their using an 8-min average, rather than the standard 1-min average.

It's a great question and discussion, but any more on this subject after this final response needs to be posted in the Hurricane Ask/Tell forum. Let's keep the main page focused on critical details of Harvey's approach.

As a reminder to regular users and a head's up for anyone new to the site, the structure here is that of a forum, not a chat room. We want to keep it clear of most one-liners and 'thank yous,' etc. Good question and thanks are appreciated - can always send private messages