5:15 pm Update on Ophelia: Hurricane Watch Issued!

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Ophelia has clearly strengthened and become better organized since my 11am update. The barometric pressure has dropped from 992 mb to 987 mb. The center of the storm has become surrounded by thunderstorms which is a signal of thunderstorms (lightning). Maximum sustained winds are now 70 mph. Keep in mind that hurricane force is 75 mph. The storm is almost that strong.


In addition to hurricane or near hurricane-force winds, there will be a life-threatening storm surge. 
There is also a risk of tornadoes tonight. 

Here is the path of the storm this weekend. Amber color is the current area of 40+mph winds. 

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