8/26/2011 Hurricane Irene Morning Update - Don't be fooled by a Category 2 rating

So, Irene is now a strong category 2 Hurricane. What exactly does that mean.....in my opinion....nothing. Its central pressure is still very low, which tells us its not weakening. Winds have gone from 115mph to 110mph. These types of drops and increases are not unexpected. If you were hit by a car doing 115mph or 11mph...is the damage going to be any less? NO

Please don't get suckered in to believing that a category 2 Hurricane is that much weaker, or even makes a difference. Irene is a large storm. Irene is going to be hitting the Gulf Stream over the next few hours, and may allow for some strengthening.

Model guidance over the night has sped up the Hurricane, and we may actually be in the heart of it when we wake up Sunday and it may be out by Sunday Night.

Here are some morning graphics: