Ike is now a category four hurricane?

Question

Does this mean the U.S. should get ready for another beating?

Answer 1

Too soon to tell, but not at all too early to prepare.  I'd keep a close eye on this one because it does have the potential to get bad.

An easy way to track Ike is with http://www.USAMediaGuide.com.  It has a special section of links to Ike's projected path, National Hurricane Center and local news coverage, hurricane preparation tips, live streaming webcams, and other Ike-related stuff.

Answer 2

Yes, and keep watching the updates closely, this one is a monster.

Here is the updated info (every 3 hours) and 5-day projected path:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at4.sht...

Answer 3

You honestly never know with hurricanes, by the time it reaches the US it could very well have downgraded to category 1, they're pretty unpredictable. But, this one does seem to be very well formed and and it seems to have the US on its path, everyone from Florida to the Carolinas should be on the lookout to see what happens. If it's a category 4, it could definitely pick up  a lot more strength in the next couple of days since it looks like it's going to be out at sea for awhile without making landfall anywhere. The best thing we can do now is "prepare for the worst but hope for the best," and see what happens over the next couple of days. As a South Florida resident, I'm hoping it has mercy on us, with the economy and everything the way it is, the last thing most of us need is a big hurricane to hit us and worsen the situation.