Weather channel’s Cantore was still saying less than an hour ago that the storm could get stronger or weaker. I didn’t see how it could get stronger but I’m not the expert. I only saw it getting weaker.
What is more likely and do we have an approximate landfall location in the keys?
Two points: first, the strength could certainly increase, given that the hottest water temperatures are about to be encountered. However, a brush with Cuba could mitigate that intensification. Joe Bastardi, for one, is still thinking that this could deepen a bunch and become a Cat 5 again.
Second: the European models (the ECMWF and UKMET) are both on a Key West direct hit. Most other models suggest something in the mid keys.
Bastardi said that he thought Irma would intensify before moving into Florida because conditions just south of Florida were ‘favorable’ (water temp and such) for that to occur...we’ll see.
I’m on the Treasure Coast. Martin County Sheriff just gave an update that is way better than the “you’re all gonna die!” Weather Channel harpies. I’m keeping my TV on local channels. These people live here, too.
And no, it’s still not gonna be pretty, whatever Cat it comes in at.