A new advisory available around 10 am. We will post that, and the new track forecast map.
CUBA
Most significant observation currently available is from Guantanamo Bay: Steady rain, wind SE at 58 mph sustained, No gusts available.
KEY WEST
Ike centered 340 miles SE of key West, sustained winds near center down to 100 mph (Category 2) This is because of land friction, not because Ike is getting lazy. Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for the Keys. Mandatory evacuation orders but some folks say they will stay. Last commercial airline flight departed last night and car rental offices are closed.
ALABAMA COAST
Should be ok almost all week. Even if Ike curved northward to threaten the Alabama coast it would be late in the week.
LANDFALL
No way to be specific yet, but increasing indications it will be a NW Gulf landfall toward the weekend (possibly as late as Saturday. Upper Texas Coast or SW Louisiana seems to be the favorite. Much still could change.
JOSEPHINE
What is left was a disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms 1200 miles east of the Leeward Islands. Winds upstairs not favorable for redevelopment but they will become more conducive for possible redevelopment in a couple of days. Would she keep the name Josephine if she regains tropical storm honors?
