Holy crap. This thing is redefining "explosive intensification." The winds are finally catching up to the bottom dropping out of the pressure.
152 knots = 175 mph at flight level, so yeah, 150 mph MINIMUM at ground level makes sense. She'll make Cat 5 by nightfall, and hold it for a little while before weakening closer into shore.
Katrina's younger sister, but not "little" sister.
}:-)4
See post #1295, 110KTs on the surface.