Quote: A serious question. Will this rapid erosion in the ridge allow for the turn to the North to occur sooner? If so, is it possible that the erosion of the ridge will act as a drawing action, allowing the storm to parallel the ridge along the West Florida coast? I really don't see a lot of sterring currents to move this storm over the next 12 hours, but then again, I'm no expert and readily admit so upfront.

Well, apparently the local NBC TV Station (WFLA) in Tampa has the storm hugging the west coast using their VIPIR system. If any one of the METs wants to chime in on VIPIR, please do.