11pm Update...

Well, it looks like the eyewall replacement cycle is just now finishing up. Dean's ERC did not follow the same exacts steps many ERCs follow. At any rate, the inner eyewall has deteriorated and the outer eyewall is now the dominant eyewall, and the "new eye" is 25 miles in diameter based on recon. Often times, after these cycles are completed, hurricanes go through strengthening, and that is certainly possible tonight.

Dean has been wobbling back and forth a bit on its generally WNW track. As it stands now, Jamaica still looks to take a significant hit from Dean tomorrow.

I just finished listening to the Jamaican Prime Minister address the country over the radio. I think the country is dealing with some residents who are skeptical that Dean is actually coming. Again, our thoughts and prayers remain with those folks.

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6:30 pm Dean update...

Dean is looking very healthy this evening. The hurricane finished and eyewall replacement cycle earlier in the day, and unless the system gets dry air from Hispanola involved in its circulation, I think Dean will become a Category 5 hurricane this evening or tonight.

A new recon flight will arrive in the system around 7:30pm or so...we will know more then.

Jamaica looks to take a brutal hit from Dean. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers...

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11pm Advisory

Dean is a solid Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 145mph and a central pressure of 937mb.

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