Could Rita STILL be strengthening???

[Coredesat]

I'm thinking that sub-890 but not quite Gilbert...which would be 889, heh...may be possible. We'll see what recon finds later tonight.

[MGC]

Rita's 23 mile wide eye is hampering the winds. If say Rita had a pinhole eye of say 8-10 miles across than with a 897mb central pressure winds would be up around 185mph easy. The pressure gradient across the storm is the determining factor. I still think Rita could drop a few more mb before the night is over. If the eye starts to contract than watch out Gilbert......MGC

[Brent]

NOAA Plane will be there in 2 hours... relax.

[Mattie]

MGC - I have been watching TV all evening and I think I saw something on a news report that the eye was 70 miles in diameter and unprecedented. . .

I know I didn't dream it, but "ye of so little knowledge" here

M

[AL Chili Pepper]

Rita's 23 mile wide eye is hampering the winds. If say Rita had a pinhole eye of say 8-10 miles across than with a 897mb central pressure winds would be up around 185mph easy. The pressure gradient across the storm is the determining factor. I still think Rita could drop a few more mb before the night is over. If the eye starts to contract than watch out Gilbert......MGC

I was watching TWC a little while ago and they did comment that the eye might be contracting a little.

[Deb321]

MGC - I have been watching TV all evening and I think I saw something on a news report that the eye was 70 miles in diameter and unprecedented. . .

I know I didn't dream it, but "ye of so little knowledge" here

M

I think you are correct. I got an e-mail update and it said 70mi.

[Pebbles]

MGC - I have been watching TV all evening and I think I saw something on a news report that the eye was 70 miles in diameter and unprecedented. . .

I know I didn't dream it, but "ye of so little knowledge" here

M

LOL NHC is say the diameter of the eye is 20nm it is most definately not 70 miles across *huggies*

edit: BUT... Hurricane force winds go OUT 70miles from the center. That's wehre the 70 probably came from

[jopatura]

I saw that too, the 70mile thing. But the guy also said it was already up to 190mph. Methinks they're doing the "scare" tactic for Galveston residents.

[Mattie]

Glad you made that clear Pebbles! (BTW - we have a pet rabbit - house and potty trained - named Pebbles. . . )

I thought that was a bit bizarre, but I can still hear the announcer.

[Mattie]

Well, instead if the "OH CRAP" preset standard, if the 70 miles holds true, that deserves at least a OMG/GEEZ/That's big!!/that would entail quite a bit of area comment!

My personal favorite is "I didn't really hear that did I?"

[fasterdisaster]

The eye does appear to contracting slightly.

[fci]

It's just pathetic how NHC has thus far treated this historic weather event. The numbers easily supported 160 knots / 185 mph, and they chose to downplay the storm.

They used the crutch of no further recon flights for hours as the comfort cushion they needed to whitewash the danger. They are so afraid of their shadows right now, don't drop a pin in the same room, or you might see an unanticipated negative event.

You know, like a hurricane named Rita.

I understand the tension and nervousness that surround those in danger from this storm but I think the comments are out of line and unfounded.

How can you say the NHC is whitewashing the danger.
Can it be any clearer?

I have not seen the NHC downplay the extreme danger of this storm or of Katrina.

And as Brent says there is a recon on its way.
But if there wasn;t what difference does it make if the storm is at 175, 185 or 200?
Setting records is hardly important at this point...
It is still unspeakably dangerous and if it is a Cat 4 or 5, the consequences are dire for wherever she strikes.
I don't really know what y'all are looking for

[yhbrooklyn]

I saw that too, the 70mile thing. But the guy also said it was already up to 190mph. Methinks they're doing the "scare" tactic for Galveston residents.

How much "scarier" does it really need to be?

[Brent]

Well, instead if the "OH CRAP" preset standard, if the 70 miles holds true, that deserves at least a OMG/GEEZ/That's big!!/that would entail quite a bit of area comment!

My personal favorite is "I didn't really hear that did I?"

It's not 70 miles wide... if it was, you would know by looking at satellite.

[InimanaChoogamaga]

If it was a Cat 5 with 165mph winds and a 70 mile wide eye we would have to change the name of this planet to Jupiter.