Clarification

In my last post, I wasn't saying that the storm shouldn't strengthen, it should....but it is going to have to in the next 12 hours before it reaches a cooler eddy of water in the central Gulf. Right now the storm is actually starting to look like it is strengthening the eyewall on the western side. However, the eastern side still needs work. If it can develop this in the next 3-5 hours, that will give it time to get stronger. The storm is definitely being influenced by these warmer waters right now.

UPDATE:

Hurricane Hunters found central pressure near 960 mb and peak flight level winds of 91 knots. It will be interesting to see what the NHC says in the next update at 11 am EST.