Throw OUT the Maximum Potential Intensity Charts...

[Hyperstorm]

As you can see Ivan has defied these and has strengthened significantly. A report of 210 mph just above the surface? I believe it since the hurricane is such a tight one.

Now my thinking of the 1935 Labor Day hurricane being a 200mph+ hurricane with the 892mb pressure is being confirmed...

[canegrl04]

I hope its not true,but Ivan does seem to be defying the experts

[alicia-w]

If nature didnt continue to challenge established science, we wouldnt have anything to learn. Everything would cookie cutter experiences. Heck, if they cant tell me exactly what day my kids would be born, they have no real idea what these things can do ahead of time.

[OtherHD]

Errr....see Derek's post about the 210 mph wind report...

[Hyperstorm]

I very much understand the 210mph report just above the surface. However, it is quite unusual to see that. That's why there was a special update issued concerning it.

The 892mb pressure seen in the Labor Day storm should have created wind speeds at the surface of over 200mph not including gusts. The hurricane was such a small one that the winds were so tightly wrapped. Ivan is possibly not as small, but a smaller than average sized storm, which leads me to believe the report.

If it hadn't been for the warming cloud tops seen on imagery, those winds would have easily reached the surface in gusts.

Very powerful storm indeed...