Ike suddenly appears to have a large but rather well-defined eye on radar. Considering the apparent improved organization and the recent upward trend in convective intensity, it may be making a last minute attempt to strengthen. The next recon mission just got in there... HDOBs seem to indicate that the pressure may have dropped (though interpolated pressure readings should always be taken with a grain of salt), but no winds yet that would prompt an upgrade in the current intensity, given past trends.

The latest vortex message just came out, which confirms a 60-mile wide eye. Pressure is down slightly to 955 mb compared to the previous vortex message.