ISABEL IS NOW CAT 5 !!!!!!! 21.6n-55.3w This is historic

[bkhusky2]

Didn't she pass over the wake of Fabian yesterday? Wasn't that the reason the eye was filled in?

[HurricaneQueen]

I know that these hurricane hunters are a brave lot but will they really fly into a Cat 5? I could understand the necessity if landfall were imminent but is it worth losing lives and a plane at this point in time. I realize they can gather valuable data but is the cost justified?

[Stormsfury]

Didn't she pass over the wake of Fabian yesterday? Wasn't that the reason the eye was filled in?

No. Isabel has yet to reach Fabian's wake until she reaches about 61ºW...and will clear that area to the west of that. The collapse of the eyewall was an eyewall replacement cycle in which a new outer eyewall took shape to replace the old one. Once the new eyewall replacement cycle was complete (usually takes about 24 hours to complete), obviously we're seeing the results of that with Isabel being the first Cat. 5 since Mitch in October 1998.

SF

[Stormsfury]

I know that these hurricane hunters are a brave lot but will they really fly into a Cat 5? I could understand the necessity if landfall were imminent but is it worth losing lives and a plane at this point in time. I realize they can gather valuable data but is the cost justified?

IMO, it is vital information, even if Isabel never impacts land. This is a rare and opportunistic time to understand the working of such a powerhouse. The datasets that are collected and not to mention, the high altitude NOAA P-3 penetrations provide valuable data to help give a better overall idea and better data initialization to help narrow down a potential path and not to mention, more lead time with storms that could pose a threat, such as Isabel.

SF

[fla_girl]

I had the great opportunity to work with a reservist, Major Hornbaker, who is a hurricane hunter. I know that these ppl thrive to do this. They love it and they are very well trained. You think we are addicted to storms? You should see how their eyes light up!