Hugh
(Senior Storm Chaser)
Sat Sep 06 2008 01:53 PM
Re: New Orleans again?!

Ike was officially re-upgraded to Cat 3 at the 2pm intermediate advisory, with winds of 115mph. This seems conservative based upon the current recon information (which estimates winds at 119.7mph). Pressure reported at 956 by the latest vortex and this is in the advisory.

Interestingly, the advisory says "Some fluctuations in strength are possible
during the next 48 hours...but Ike is expected to remain a major
hurricane strength during this period." Since Ike is now on the edge of major hurricane strength, this may indicate some strengthening?