>>http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at2.shtml?5day#contents
>>http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at3.shtml?5day#contents
>
>Here are the GOES satellite loops:
>http://www.goes.noaa.gov/g8hu.html
>http://www.goes.noaa.gov/HURRLOOPS/huirloop.html
>http://www.goes.noaa.gov/HURRLOOPS/gulfir.html
>
>I think a lot depends on how much Gustav gets pushed north and east over the next couple of days. So far it's been passing over enough land to greatly interfere with its development, it hasn't yet reached hurricane strength. I suspect between now (Jamaica) and Cuba it'll strengthen significantly, and even if it passes solidly over western Cuba (rather than just winging the tip) it'll still be well organized north of Cuba. I think it'll strengthen very rapidly over the open Gulf, like Katrina did.
>
>My .000 - accurate (so far this season :)) gut feel says Gustav will go further east than currently predicted, maybe hit the Florida panhandle rather than NO...
>
>You will probably want to keep an eye on Hanna ...

Katrina looked like a fizzle when it passed over south Florida. Then it picked up steam over the Gulf. You're right, it's hard to know several days ahead of time exactly what they're going to do. I really hope NO and the Mississippi port cities like Gulfport and Biloxi don't get whacked again. They're still cleaning up from the last time.