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Originally Posted by HomerJSimpson
Wind speeds dropped, but the same pressure?
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This isn't unusual, it typically takes a little while for the wind speed to respond to a stronger circulation center. (Additionally the wind speed is a function of the pressure gradient, so if the gradient is not as tight, even if the pressure is lower the winds won't pick up)
Looking at the radar there was a brief warming of the cloud tops (typically would signify a slight weakening of the system) earlier this afternoon, but that trend seems to have reversed itself.
It would actually be very unusual for a hurricane to maintain such strength for a long time, there will be some fluxuations in the wind speed prior to landfall and it is very possible (the earlier forecasts called for it) to have some minor weakening prior to landfall. But it still is expected for the landfall to occur with Katrina still a Category 5 or best case, a very strong Cat. 4 storm. Either way the impact would/will be devastating.