[commish]

There is absolutely NO WAY this storm is still 70 MPH tropical storm.

Every indicator out there scream 80 MPH plus hurricane — 976 MB central pressure, flight level winds in excess of 80 Knots, closed eye structure now on SAT and radar.

Yet NHC REFUSES to upgrade it.

Are they afraid they might have to call the poser in cheap off the Golf Course if they do?????

[NautiNurse]

There is a lot of dry air wrapped into the core.

[TornadoAlley3]

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/isaac2012/wind.html

[alancarp]

Latest tweet from Joe Bastardi about the aircraft data coming in:
"Joe Bastardi ‏@BigJoeBastardi 28.1 88.5 974.1 mb pressure"

There are multiple sources for this info that are all in agreement, but I'll use this one, 'cause the formatting is easier:

Category Two Hurricane

• Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 96-110 miles per hour
  
• Damage Category: Moderate
  
• Approximate Pressure: 979-965mb
  
• Approximate Storm Surge: 6-8 feet
  
• Example: Hurricane Isabel (2003) in North Carolina