Look at this graphic of the track and current windfield of Dennis:

Dennis Track & Windfield

The hurricane-force winds are remaining just offshore the south coast of Cuba. Also, this close-up of the track shows Dennis running parallel to the coast. If this course continues for a few more hours, we could see the eye pass between the Isle Of Youth and the southern Cuban coast....on a track to cross Western Cuba in the narrowest part of the island. If this scenario plays out, the interraction of the land will not disrupt Dennis nearly as much as a landfall farther east. We could be looking at a stronger storm than originally thought moving into the SE Gulf.

On another note, I keep seeing reports that the Gulf water temperatures in the mid 80's are only warm in the shallow layers, indicating that the storm might actually weaken as it moves across the Gulf. Is this true??? In November 1985, we saw Hurricane Kate strengthen dramatically over the Gulf waters very late in the season when water temps were significantly cooler than we have right now. I don't see water temperature as a problem inhibiting the strength of this hurricane. Any thoughts from anyone??

--Lou