Buoy Reports Link Here - How Strong IS Isabel?

[wxman57]

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Southeast.shtml

Keep an eye on buo 41002 and 41025. Buoy 41002 recorded max sustained winds of 45-50 kts overnight with gusts of 60-65 kts as the center of Isabel passed within 40 miles to the east. But the area of convection on the western side of the center is JUSt southwest of this buoy moving northward. The next few hours of reports will tell you what Isabel has west of the center.

Although recon reported one spot wind of 109 kts at FL 10,000 round 0346Z last night, most reports are in the mid 70s at that level. Mid 70s at 10,000 ft would equal sustained winds around 50-55 kts (a bit lower than with a "normal" storm). There may be an isolated area that has about 80kt (90 mph) winds. The NHC is being very generous with their winds for Isabel, but that's typical. But Isabel will be in a data-rich environment now, so we can really see what she has to offer. Buoy 41025 should be in an area that would receive the max winds.