It's like Baitcon, with more sand and warmer water

( I wasn't making those flavors up, I promise. )

(no subject)

The list of strongest hurricanes of all time now reads:

• Hurricane Gilbert (888 mb, 1988)
• The Great Labor Day Hurricane (892 mb, 1935)
• Hurricane Rita (898 mb, 2005)
• Hurricane Allen (899 mb, 1980)
• Hurricane Katrina (902 mb, 2005)
• Hurricane Camille (905 mb, 1969)

SEP 21 - 7:50PM CDT

From NHC:

DROPSONDE DATA FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE UNIT RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT AT 623 PM CDT...2323Z...INDICATED THE CENTRAL PRESSURE HAS FALLEN TO BELOW 899 MB...OR 26.55 INCHES.

THE DROPSONDE INSTRUMENT MEASURED 32 KT/35 MPH WINDS AT THE SURFACE...WHICH MEANS IT LIKELY DID NOT RECORD THE LOWEST PRESSURE IN THE EYE OF RITA. THE CENTRAL PRESSURE IS PROBABLY AT LEAST AS LOW AS 898 MB...AND PERHAPS EVEN LOWER.

FOR OFFICIAL PURPOSES... A PRESSURE OF 898 MB IS ASSUMED...WHICH NOW MAKES RITA THE THIRD MOST INTENSE HURRICANE IN TERMS OF PRESSURE IN THE ATLANTIC BASIN. SOME ADDITIONAL DEEPENING AND INTENSIFICATION IS POSSIBLE FOR THE NEXT 12 HOURS OR SO.