The confidence level of the front headed toward Texas right now and making it through in time to protect everyone west of Florida is about as close to 100% as you can get.
That doesn't mean that everyone else can simply not follow future forecasts and assume that this is a Ft. Meyers/Miami storm. Any time a hurricane is in the Gulf, everyone has to pay attention. But it should be a gorgeous weekend in Houston with a high only in the 70's. That front will already be offshore protecting us from Wilma.
True but my point is that I remember Bastardi Insisting Katrina would hit Florida even when it failed to turn. Lots of people tune into the news only once every few days or so. When forecasters give a matter of fact forecast, with out mentioning that anything can change, and that everyone needs to pay attention would keep people more aware. Yes, we here on FR do keep up to the minute with what is going on but many people do not, they only tune in to the news every other day or so.
Just wanted to point out that the last cool front we got slowed down and didn't reach east TX until later than expected. Seems like it slowed down around DFW.
Westerly winds are going to knock her down big time. Lots of time on this one...she'll become a major rain event. Bet she doesn't hit the USA.