These numbers could change in post analysis. Might have become hurricane earlier. #Otis eye obscured just before landfall but winds didn’t necessarily weaken much. Little difference between high end cat 4 and cat 5 anyway. Damage & human toll we already know are devastating.
Unlike #Idalia (she was nowhere near 125 mph in all likelihood), I believe #Otis remained a Cat 5 despite the warming of the clouds in the final hour before landfall. I say this because he looked to be closer to 170 mph at peak, and I’m doubtful there was enough core erosion to downgrade him below 160 at landfall in re-analysis. NHC taking the middle road.
@DrRickKnabb Eyewall went directly over Acapulco. Absolute worst case scenario.
@DrRickKnabb I agree, Otis and Idalia both weakened in the hour before landfall and should be downgraded a category, but doesn't change a whole lot from an impact standpoint.
@DrRickKnabb Looks to have been perfect conditions for rapid intensification. No wind shear and surely the water was cooking! Wow nature is incredible.
@DrRickKnabb @wunderground Hours and hours of 145 plus winds. Jesus Christ.
@DrRickKnabb Has there ever been a storm recorded in history that went from Cat 1 to Cat 5 in 12 hours?
@DrRickKnabb I hope you're getting paid overtime for coming in today. 💰 💰 💰
@DrRickKnabb These grafics don't show the viewer the location of the highest winds. An average person looking at post will think the entire red area is 160 mph wins. In reality those winds speeds are considered in a very small area. The rest of the Red picture willhave winds well below this