[nwctwx]

Statement as of 2:00 PM EDT on August 30, 2008

so much for a slowdown in the intensification rate of Gustav.
Yesterday at this time we conveyed that rapid intensification over
the northwestern Caribbean was possible...but this is a little more
than what we had in mind in such a short time. The hurricane has
reached category four status with an intensity of 125 kt...having
been a strong tropical storm just about 24 hours ago. The maximum
surface wind value is based on a flight-level wind at 700 mb of 141
kt...since the 90 percent adjustment to the surface usually works
rather well for intensifying major hurricanes. The aircraft fixes
indicate that a northwestward motion has resumed...and the initial
motion estimate is 315/12...right along the previous advisory
track. No changes to the 1500 UTC forecast track have been
made...but the intensity forecast has been adjusted upward through
96 hours. Gustav could intensify some more during the next few
hours over water...and one cannot rule out category five intensity
before crossing Cuba. The forecast now calls for a peak at 140
kt...category five intensity...over the southern Gulf where ocean
heat content will still be high...followed by a very gradual
weakening over the northern Gulf where ocean heat content is less.

Forecast positions and Max winds

initial 30/1800z 21.6n 82.5w 125 kt
12hr VT 31/0000z 22.5n 83.5w 135 kt...over western Cuba
24hr VT 31/1200z 24.3n 85.4w 140 kt
36hr VT 01/0000z 26.0n 87.3w 135 kt
48hr VT 01/1200z 27.8n 89.2w 125 kt
72hr VT 02/1200z 30.5n 92.5w 80 kt...inland
96hr VT 03/1200z 31.5n 94.0w 50 kt...inland
120hr VT 04/1200z 32.0n 95.5w 30 kt...inland

[abb]

Jindal live on FoxNews now.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

Right down the middle of a high number of drilling platforms. Several refineries will also have to shut down.

Get your fuel now while you can.....

[lainie]

Cat 5 over Cuba! wow. first I heard of that.

What’s the reason for the rapid strengthening in the last 24 hours? Is this very unexpected?

[rodguy911]

When it hits 140 knots that’s 160 mph, a kick ass barely # 5 storm.

[STARWISE]

Thank God for Gov. Jindal ... he's definitely IN charge.

BATON ROUGE – Today, Governor Bobby Jindal issued an executive order that will allow for streamlining funds in recovery efforts for damage resulting from Hurricane Gustav.

In doing so, Governor Jindal appears to recognize that it is important for government agencies to provide necessary aassistance quickly but to do so that is fiscally sound, ethical and above reproach. Here is here the Executive Order for Emegency Procedures for Conducting State business which has been provided to the media by Governor Jindal's press office:

~~~~

Are you getting storms, Rod?

Prayers for all those in harm's way.