I think it may fortunate that Irma took that late turn north [View all]

[ThoughtCriminal]

Although I'm sure this is not a comfort to people on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Disclaimer: Not a meteorologist, do not play one on TV.

Northern hemisphere cyclones spin counterclockwise with the heaviest winds generally on the north side. If Irma had turned earlier and hit the Atlantic coast, the damage and danger would possibly be much worse. In addition to not weakening from passing Cuba, the highest winds would be pushing from the ocean, rather than from over land. If the eye had hit the Atlantic shores, I would think we would be seeing much greater storm surge ahead of the hurricane rather than trailing from the weakening southern eye wall.

Any real experts have comments or heard this discussed?