Zeta has strengthened overnight, but a bit more than anticipated. As of 7 AM CDT maximum sustained winds are up to 90 mph and the pressure is down to 978 mb. The turn has also started, as movement is now north at 17 mph.
Given the quick rate on intensification, it is now likely Zeta will become a category 2 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Zeta to have maximum sustained winds of 100 mph by this afternoon.
At least some weakening is still expected as Zeta approaches the coast. Regardless, Zeta is still expected to be a hurricane at landfall.
Landfall is expected in southeast Louisiana, somewhere east of Morgan City, this afternoon. Zeta will then move into south Mississippi or southwest Alabama this evening, possibly making a second landfall in the process between Bay St. Louis, and Dauphin Island.
