Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board

Rita Update *LINK* *PIC*

Posted By: Capt Patrick McCrary
Date: Friday, 23 September 2005, at 7:16 a.m.

Rita is Cat4, has regenerated the eye wall, and is moving into a warmer eddy. Some strengthening is expected in the next 12 hours & then a weakening effect as the eye wall moves into cooler water near the coast line.

Models currently predict the eye wall to enter Texas between San Luis Pass, (SW end of Galveston Isle), & Sabine Pass, (TX/LA border). Hurricane force winds could affect the areas between Port O'Connor, TX and Morgan City, LA.

Rita's eye wall is expected to make land fall in the early hours of Saturday morning as a strong Cat3 hurricane. Hurricane force winds will be felt by as early as mid-night tonight.

Forward movement has slowed quite a bit and is currently at 8 - 9 kts.

There is a possibility of some shearing that could further weaken Rita in the 12 hour period prior to landfall. If this takes place, Rita could be weakened to a strong Cat2.

Let's hope...

Br,

Patrick

NHC -- H Rita