Dean now a Major Hurricane

We have our first Major Hurricane (Cat 3 or higher) of the season.

As of 5 pm, Hurricane Dean has maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, with gusts up to 155 mph. The pressure has dropped to 961 mb; he's moving W at 21 mph. Hurricane warnings have been posted all over the Caribbean.

The track has stayed pretty much the same as yesterday; an upper level low over Florida may protect us from this dangerous storm. Dean is projected to become a strong Category 4 by Monday, nearly a Category 5. Everyone needs to stay informed--this bad boy is going to go wherever he wants.

An eye is clearly visible now; earlier today, Hurricane Hunters thought there might be an inner eye, which indicates a much stronger, better organized storm.



8pm update--Dean is now 1 mph away from becoming a Category 4 Hurricane. Winds are up to 130 mph, and the pressure has really dropped since 5pm to 946 mb. The forecast track is edging ever so slightly to the North, where it is predicted to graze the Yucatan Peninsula. It looks like Jamaica will take a direct hit on Sunday. My thoughts are with those in Dean's path.

11pm update--Dean has strengthened to a strong Category 4 with winds of 145 mph, gusts up to 180mph. Hurricane force winds extend up to 60 miles. Pressure has dropped to 936 mb. Apparently Dean just broke some Atlantic storm records with the strengthening. And he's not done yet. The NHC has predicted he will become a Category 5.

2 a.m.--Hurricane Dean keeps growing. Winds are near 150 mph, and strengthening. Pressure has dropped to 930 mb. Hurricane Force winds extend 60 miles from the center; Tropical Storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Scary.