I was pleased enough at the latest maps and discussions I found on the NOAA website this morning. (Here's my latest map) The storm did a funny little dance over Grand Bahama Island, thankfully went to the right of Freeport instead of the left but did the people there no favors by circling around a bit before heading our way. The bottom line for my house is that the storm will be 20 miles further away and a tiny bit slower in windspeed at it's closest point to us. The people in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach aren't any happier, but the people in Stuart would rather be underneath it. Only time will tell where she really makes landfall. She lost her "eye" last night as she stumbled about confused in front of GBI, but she has it back now. That's a shame, it indicates a cohesive and well formed storm, I was kind of hoping that it disintegrated into a mess before it hit. Even though the seers at NOAA don't have it gaining much windspeed before it hits us, from our perspective: there is no more land to slow her down, she's moving slow so she has the opportunity to grow, she is well formed and making for the warm waters of the gulfstream. Hurricanes loooooooove warm water.

It's just a waiting game. Most of the people here are frustrated that their lives are put on hold over Labor Day weekend while we stare at images of this recalcitrant storm who is in no great hurry to get here, but doesn't seem to be interested in anyone else but us.

Posted by Michael at September 4, 2004 09:02 AM