5:00 PM Discussion:
Atmospheric and oceanic conditions appear favorable for additional
rapid strengthening for the next 24 h and possibly longer. The
intensity forecast, which is at or above the upper edge of the
guidance, now calls for Maria to reach a peak intensity of 135 kt
in about 24 h, and it is possible that the hurricane could reach
category 5 status.
Reading discussion at Storm 2k..several saying it’s looking like a Cat 5 already. No recon yet so NHC being conservative . Plane on its way from Central Florida in a couple minutes.
Trying to find a bright side...at least it’s smaller in size than Irma. But man, that eye is incredible. “The dreaded pinhole eye”.