Say a prayer that Ernesto doesn't reform

[sprink52]

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that Ernesto does not get a second wind and re-form over the warm waters of the Straits of Florida. A cat 3 along the forcast track would be catastrophic for the people of South Florida as well as having a significant impact on the economy of the United States.

We are just now begining to see things move back to normal from Wilma last year. We don't need another set back. Come on Ernie...give us a freakin break!!!

[Josephine96]

I think he'll reform to a 65-70 mph TS or a Cat 1.. but not a Cat 3..

[gatorcane]

I think these prayers are starting to work - he is moving WNW.

[x-y-no]

Well, let's not go overboard. While storms can rapidly intensify several categories, it takes pretty good initial organization as well as ideal conditions for them to do so. And while conditions in Ernesto's path may be pretty favorable, his structure at this time is not. So he'd have to spend some significant time getting to that point first and by that time he'll be out of room (presuming he does make landfall here).

I wouldn't rule out a somewhat stronger storm than the high-end TS currently forecast, but anything above a middling Cat-1 is quite unlikely. (Middling Cat-1 is of course nothing to sneeze at, as Katrina showed)

[bombarderoazul]

Praying won't do anything. Just be prepared with supplies and other things, in case this thing makes landfall in Florida, but I think Erneston won't be more than a strong tropical storm.