“””The NHC track is still predicting a westward bend to the track before the north turn. SO far, it isn’t happening.”””
Today is the day for that westward bend to happen or not. By 8am Friday we should know if Irma going to be closer to the Bahamas than Florida.
Just watching the Sat pics, I think the westward jog IS happening... Irma is sort of hugging the island of Dom Rep. The friction is pulling the center down a little, and scooting it on a more westward vector.
Also looks to me as if the ridge in front is weakening a little... that means; a LATER turn is possible.. Not really great news for South Florida.