I don't mean to beat this subject to death, but I would like to re-explore the previous conversations about how mountainous terrain effects a hurricane vs. flat terrain.

Take a look at the eastern structure of Dennis on this:

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/float2-ir4-loop.html

Notice that not only is the mountainous terrain getting walloped by holding back the rotation, but look at the effect the terrain is having on the eastern structure of Dennis. It is literally causing it to break off from the general rotation.

I have to agree with what is maybe a falacy - that mountainous terrain has a much different effect than flat terrain. The difference is that the eye of Dennis is not crossing mountainous terrain, therefore, he should retain his strenght, for the most part. But if a cane's eye were to pass over mountainous terrain, are not the local Mets here in Orlando correct in saying that this type of terrain has a much greater effect on weakening a cane than does flat terrain?