Billmon: Here We Go Again

Tropical Storm Rita continues to eye extreme South Florida as it moves into the central Bahamas, bringing along with it maximum sustained winds of up to 60-miles-an-hour . . .

Forecasters say the storm, which is making its way toward the west at near nine miles an hour, could gather enough strength to reach hurricane status within the next 24-hours. Models from the National Weather Service show the hurricane’s projected path could hit somewhere along the Texas gulf coast as early as Saturday or Sunday. (emphasis added)

KBTV-4
Texas Gulf Coast is Keeping an Eye on Rita
September 19, 2005

Atmospheric conditions are continuing to become more conducive for strengthening . . . and all forecast guidance suggests Rita should intensify some more . . . before and after it reaches the Gulf of Mexico . . . All indications are that Rita will become a major hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico. (emphasis added)

National Weather Service
Tropical Storm Rita Discussion #7
September 19, 2005