I mentioned earlier--this storm is giving me a sick feeling, usually reserved for a big storm headed toward Tampa Bay.
omG. this thing is turning into a real monster!
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/float-vis-loop.html
Your feeling may be correct. She's undergoing an EWRC (eye wall replacement cycle). All that dry air in the core will be expelled. The western outflow is starting up. This time tomorrow morning she's going to fill up the Gulf.