Ike is displaying some interesting features this evening. The innermost eye wall appears to be somewhat unstable, as there are several small-scale circulations rotating around in there. These circulations generally seem to be weak, but the stronger ones could locally enhance the winds in their vicinity. The main outer band has been expanding in both directions, leaving an increasing precip-free area outside of the inner eyewall.

The complex inner dynamics will lead to a wobbly approach to the coast. it is often said to not focus too much on the exact track, especially with a large storm like Ike, but when it comes to potential impacts on the Galveston/Houston area, now is the time to obsess over every single wobble or potential change in direction. A slight deviation either way will make a huge difference when it comes to storm surge impact near the center. Right now, Ike seems to be headed for a landfall a little south of Galveston, which would be bad news for that area.