Really good news about the pressure rising.
Let's hope it rises dramatically throughout the day and that Rita's punch will be even more diminished as the storm approaches the Tx/La coastline.

While it's (fun?) to track a Cat 5 and keep track of records etc etc, I for one would be most pleased to see this one fizzle as it approaches the coast.

We have a major problem all along the coastline with moving people to safety.
What a monumental task the NHC has to issue warnings in a timely manner but yet the local authorities have the task of evacuating in some cases, millions, of people. As we've seen in the Houston area evacuations, the roads and gas stations etc simply can not handle the massive numbers of vehicles on the roads.

I'm sure that many of those who gladly evacuated this time will not do so next time simply because of the traffic.

There will be time for these discussions, Now, our thoughts are with all of those communities in harms way.

I have said this before and I will say it again. In years past, it was sort of a fun hobby....tracking hurricanes.
Last season and especially this one have made me painfully aware of the costs, pain, and suffering that is caused and the ripple affect that is produced throughout the country by the storms.
Therefore, my excitement for seeing a Cat 5 and getting all worked up over numbers has ended.
All I care is for this thing to eat lots of dry air and get a tummy ache before landfall.