freeper from Nj posted that twice here and no one seemed to see it. Accuweather is taking the position that it's already a CAT 5
Because their fanbase wants it to be a Cat 5. Another example of pointless idiocy from Accuweather.
It may well be a Cat 5 in a couple of hours, but it isn't one now, based on recon. The SOLE criteria for categories is maximum sustained surface wind speed.
I'm guessing they are basing this upgrade on this info:
Decoded Recon Reports
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 1:22 PM ED
During reconnaissance of tropical system RITA a maximum sustained wind speed of 75 mph at 9997 feet, and a maximum wind gust of 78 mph at 9997 feet, were found by the government plane.