[steveegg]

That's some seriously-good news. Those last 2 shots (7:15 and 7:45 am CDT) also appear encouraging.

[shield]

Yep, I agree. When I woke up this AM after reports here at FR, how she was going to re-strengthen once she got over the warm eddy. I was thrilled to see her actual winds were down to 138 (KHOU always gives the actual winds even though NHC is giving 140) and pressure 930, and rising. I expect Rita to be a strong Cat 3, however, if dry air continues to be sucked into her and pressure continues to rise...she maybe a middle Cat 3. She's still far enough out and she's large enough to suck in the dry air due to her counterclockwise motion which gives her more time for winds to reduce.