Hurricane Delta's maximum sustained winds have decreased to 130 mph in the 10 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Will down 15 mph from its last update, it is still a powerful Category 4 hurricane.
"Surveillance data from the NOAA G-IV aircraft suggest that Delta's circulation does not extend as markedly into the upper troposphere as one would
expect for a major hurricane," said Senior Hurricane Specialist Richard Pasch. "Given the current state of the system, not much strengthening seems likely before the center reaches northeastern Yucatan tomorrow morning."
The forecast still calls for Delta to curve north northeasteard, making landfall on the Louisiana coast Friday night or early Saturday. The Hurricane Center expects Delta to be a major storm at landfall.
"There is an increasing likelihood of life-threatening storm surge and dangerous hurricane-force winds, especially along the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi, beginning on Friday," Pasch said. "Residents in these areas should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and follow advice given by local officials."
