Hurricane Ike Now a Category 2

Ike's winds are up to 100 mph...the center is about 660 miles east-southeast of Galveston. It is a big storm with hurricane force winds (75 mph or higher) extending out 80 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds (39 mph or higher) extending out 200 miles from the center.

Remember that the weather associated with hurricanes arrives in advance of the center. So, even though the center is forecast to move ashore (possibly near Matagorda) with error being plus or minus about 200 miles at this point (so upper Texas coast folks, we still need to be watching and preparing), the first bands of weather and high surf will arrive as early as late Thursday.

Next model runs will be available between 3 and 4. I'll try to update then.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman