[NautiNurse]

Inland conditions are a function of the windspeed at landfall, and the forward speed of the storm. The slower the forward speed, the faster decay of inland windspeed.

However, the slower forward speed increases the rain potential.

Finally, tornados are always a possibility. Wind Risk Areas shows the inland potential of a Cat 3 landfall for various forward speeds.

[freeperfromnj]

Hurricane Rita Lashes Florida Keys

Rita promised to continue gaining strength as it crossed the warm Gulf of Mexico for a weekend landfall, most likely in Texas although Louisiana could end up in the path of what could become a major hurricane.

....."Right now, we expect that Rita will remain a Category 1 hurricane as it affects the Keys," said Chris Sisko, also a meteorologist at the hurricane center. "Further out, we do anticipate further strengthening up to Category 3, or major hurricane status." Category 3 storms have maximum sustained wind of 130 mph.....

http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2005/09/20/225163.html