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Originally Posted by GoldenEagle
Why is it weakening? Is there any indication as to that? Does the slowing down of the storm mean that it could gain wind strength? Does all this really matter?
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According to the latest NHC discussion, there are some data sources that are showing slightly lower winds. Also, there are signs of eyewall replacement, where the area of storms immediately outside the eyewall contracts, and basically sucks the moisture out of the inner eyewall. The hurricane is usually weakening during the replacement. HOWEVER, once the outer eyewall completely replaces the inner eyewall and contracts, the storm is often as strong (or even stronger) than it was beforehand. This happened in Andrew, and the storm stengthened right at landfall. If the eyewall in Katrina is replaced, the question is, how long will it take? It could really suck if it completes the cycle right before landfall.