I'd expect the intensity to weaken, but the winds to increase further from the center before landfall. I just can't envision a scenario where hurricane winds extend only 15 miles from the eye for very long.
Oh, man! Prayers for our Florida friends.
Remember, Katrina was supposed to hit the upper Florida coast, no where near NO. I live in Houston and I am filling gas cans today. Any one who lives on the Gulf coast needs to be prepared and not wait untill the last minute to see if it is going to turn.
Is it even going to weaken? So far this storm has done nothing but surprise everyone, from the rankest amateurs right up to the most seasoned experts. It wouldn't surprise me in the least now if it doesn't just keep strengthening right up until landfall.
Isn't that the weirdest thing, the hurricane force wind field being so tiny? I bet the hurricane hunters had a hell of a scary ride this time out. It's inconceivable that this storm would maintain this kind of intensity for long, but things continue to get more curious with every storm this year.