Reply #132: 10:00 AM CDT NHC Hurr Rita & GOPA Report:

[GOPAgainstGW]

10:00AM CDT FRI SEP 23 2005 - 24
Hurricane Rita: Cat 4
Maximum Sustained Winds (MPH): 135 (D) -5
Wind Gusts To (MPH): 170
Moving Towards the Northwest at near 10 MPH. (I)
Estimated Minimum Central Pressure: 929 MB...27.43 Inches (D)(a)
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the Center
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles.
Located near Latitude 27.4 north...longitude 91.9 west, 220 miles
southeast of Galveston, Texas, 210 miles south-southeast of Cameron, Louisiana
------------
I=Increase, D=Decrease from last report
(a) NOAA Reconnaissance Aircraft Data

====GOPA Comments===
The “experts” say Rita is weaker and her winds are down to 135/170 MPH. The just released images, reduced pressure readings, and upper winds analysis say different as to intensity and Rita’s eye has become much more developed again. Net-net, the winds are down because Rita’s outer-bands are hit the Gulf coastline, but her intensity if anything has increased. 45 MPH wind gusts and 13ft wave heights already being experienced at a NDBC Bouy 25 miles south of Galveston, yet the hurricane is net 200 miles away.

LATEST HURRICANE RITA IMAGE