Is it true?

[txwatcher91]

I read in a book that CAT 5's tend to create their own environment where dry air and shear don't hurt it. The only thing that can weaken a CAT 5 is land,EWRC, and cooler waters. Is this a myth or is it true?

[LSU2001]

I am not a pro nor do I claim to be any type of expert but even Cat 5 canes are subject to the surrounding environment. Dry air entrainment, shear, etc can weaken even a very strong storm. There is some truth I beleive to a super strong cane creating a favorable environment for itself but there are limits as to what the cane can overcome. If you look a Katrina right before landfall, she sucked in some dry air and the west side started to collapse. It did not weaken her in a major way but it did weaken her. I hope a pro can help more than I did but I think the answer to your question is a Cat 5 can somwhat influence the surrounding environment.
TIm

[Aslkahuna]

Very strong hurricanes are in actuality quite delicate storms and can be severely impacted by unfavorable conditions faster and stronger than less intense storms.

Steve

[BReb]

That's definitely a myth. I read that Katrina was weakened as the last minute by a "puff" of dry air coming down from the midwest and I clearly recall the western side of Rita being weakened by shear when she was a category 5.

[superfly]

Cat 5's can only form in near perfect environments so I'd say it's a myth.

[n o o d l z]

[acidus]

What about this quote regarding Floyd?
http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/9909/13/floyd.06/

But forecasters say the storm is so huge -- 500 miles wide -- that it is creating its own weather system and may not be turned away by other weather influences.

Or annular hurricanes?

[aerojad]

If a hurricane has an area of high pressure centered directly above it, and both are moving in the same direction at the same speed, then yes nothing but land or cold water can stop it.

[AL Chili Pepper]

The strongest hurricane is no match for shortwave troughs. With temps near 40 degrees along the Central Gulf Coast on Sunday night, this system moving in from the west will plow Wilma out into the Atlantic with ease.