1- Local tv meteorologist has been saying it COULD become a cat. 4. before landfall. Local EOC contacted NHC and complained that tv station was creating a panic in the WPB area. Local station just went on the air live with the NHC, and NHC backed the station saying it is should be a cat. 3 and you should always plan for 1 cat higher.

2 - This just in from Thomas:
CAT 2 Jeanne continues to slowly strengthen.. Her track is still due west at an increased forward speed of 15 mph. Her eye wall is still large at approximately 40 miles but I expect it to begin decreasing in size. Also some dry air entrainment is occurring on her left side.

The NHC/TPC 5:00 am EDT advisory on soon to be CAT 3 Jeanne has shifted the track to the left, more in line with the track I first forecasted quite a few days ago. I expect more track shifting to the left to occur as Jeanne heads for a landfall somewhere between Palm beach and Fort Pierce on Sunday morning. It's also possible that my Tarpon Springs to Bayport exit corridor into the Gulf Of Mexico may have to be shifted further south down the west coast of Florida.

Take Care,
Thomas F. Giella
Retired Space & Atmospheric Weather Forecaster
Plant City, FL