If the ridge weakens slowly by Saturday as Key West NWS is forecasting, then it would be highly unlikely for Isidore to keep moving NW like NHC forecasts ( I have a feeling their track may just shift more easterly soon). Combine this with the possibility of a category two/three hurricane at that time and you have a great candidate for a northward movement.

Rasvar: In past couple of hours it does indeed look like the storm has sped up some. This is definitely not good news. As you said, the sooner this bad boy makes it into the GOMEX, the more chance it will swing NE.

Besides, if the a couple models are so intent on a westerly path eventually, then why didn't NHC shift the track closer to the Yucatan Peninsula? Looks like a more eastward adjustment over the next few days.

Kevin