Katrina continues to intensify

Last post from Orlando. Next will be from Tallahassee in a few hours, pending computer availability. Brendan Loy should be up and blogging again soon.

Pressure is now down to 902 millibars.

Model guidance for intensity is not encouraging. Latest SHIPS output is for 180 mph winds in 12 hours with no indication of weakening before landfall (note that DSHP is the SHIPS output with the dissipative effects of land taken into account.)

The 12Z runs of GFS, GFDL and NOGAPS models do not provide much hope for New Orleans .

I have a feeling that regardless of traffic, the drive to Tallahassee is going to be the longest ever for me. Work has helped me somewhat in keeping my thoughts off the imminent catastrophe, but I won't have any such distraction on the road.