Lookout Tampa to Jax...........

[Dean4Storms]

A track by Charlie coming inland just south of Tampa and heading up the peninsula rapidly to a position just east of Jax. could be devestating as Charlie would likely loose little strength and directly inflict damage on THREE large Citites, Tampa, Orlando and Jax. and go right over the heart of Florida's second largest business destroying alot of it, ORANGE GROVES!!!

[Derek Ortt]

Dean,


A hurricane that crosses Florida will lose 2-3 categories. Andrew weakened 2 categories even after only 4 hours over land. If this hits as a cat 2 near Tampa, Jacksonville will likely get just a strong tropical storm, maybe a minimal hurricane at the very most

[HurricaneGirl]

Holy Crap! It's coming right for us!!

[Hyperstorm]

Dean,


A hurricane that crosses Florida will lose 2-3 categories. Andrew weakened 2 categories even after only 4 hours over land. If this hits as a cat 2 near Tampa, Jacksonville will likely get just a strong tropical storm, maybe a minimal hurricane at the very most

A minimal hurricane at the most? Well, in my book that's saying a LOT. Jacksonville is just not used to seeing these systems as of late. Also, the trough that will pick up Charley will likely enhance the system and keep it from weakening much until it is far enough north. Remember, it's likely trraveling at speeds well over 25-30 mph and the enhancement of the system by the trough, indicates some moderate damage at the very least along the ENTIRE United States of America coastline, with the PROBABLE exception of the NE, IF it stays inland. If it heads over the water....that could be a different story.

In any case, it should head there as a STRONG and VIGOROUS low pressure center with heavy rain likely and some strong winds.

[Dean4Storms]

Dean,


A hurricane that crosses Florida will lose 2-3 categories. Andrew weakened 2 categories even after only 4 hours over land. If this hits as a cat 2 near Tampa, Jacksonville will likely get just a strong tropical storm, maybe a minimal hurricane at the very most

A minimal hurricane at the most? Well, in my book that's saying a LOT. Jacksonville is just not used to seeing these systems as of late. Also, the trough that will pick up Charley will likely enhance the system and keep it from weakening much until it is far enough north. Remember, it's likely trraveling at speeds well over 25-30 mph and the enhancement of the system by the trough, indicates some moderate damage at the very least along the ENTIRE United States of America coastline, with the PROBABLE exception of the NE, IF it stays inland. If it heads over the water....that could be a different story.

In any case, it should head there as a STRONG and VIGOROUS low pressure center with heavy rain likely and some strong winds.

My point exactly, Charley will be moving rapidly much like Hugo, Opal and inflict damage well inland. Derek is correct though, depending on just how strong Charley is at landfall, Jax would see a weaker Charley for sure, just how much will be the question.