165 MPH!

[El Supremo]

I don't remember a hurricane this strong. It is headed for the GOM.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. I do

ten years ago, last CAT 5 to hit florida

[teach1st]

2. Look at the eyewall...

Ivan is very nearly a perfect storm.

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. with the planet heatng up

we will see more storms like Ivan

[Ilsa]

4. 910mb's and falling, IIRC...eom

[quaoar]

5. Hurricane Camille

Hit the Gulf Coast of Mississippi 35 years ago with gusts of 200 mph and cut Ship Island in half.

[kentuck]

6. It's going to keep heading west and head toward Texas ....

Just to send a message..

[JCMach1]

7. It will strengthen once it hits the Gulf unless it simply moves

forward too slow (cooling down the ocean it draws strength from).

This could be Camille II.

New Orleans to Tampa should be very afraid...

[tedoll78]

10. I've been on the phone with my family a few times this week.

They live in New Orleans. I suspect that it'll stay the course and hit Florida, but still, I've done my nagging. Reservations in Mississippi at their usual evacuation hotel are already made.

I'm trying to imagine this storm hitting New Orleans. The entire city going under 10 feet of water. The pumping system failing, being entirely unable to function in such conditions. The spillway system being unable to deliver to its promise of protection. New Orleans being left permanently underwater. It's quite creepy.

[QC]

11. We are. Believe me.

[Bluebear]

8. "Stronger than Andrew" - Weather Channel

[Eloriel]

9. "6th strongest hurricane ever recorded"

shudder