Hurricane Ike: the dreaded "fist" has emerged.

A satellite signature of rapid intensification has just emerged in Hurricane Ike - appropriately referred to as "the fist" - and already the winds are jumping higher. The Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft currently examining Ike has just recorded a wind speed of Category 3 strength (123kt flight level), equivalent to about 115mph sustained surface winds. Look for an official upgrade to major hurricane strength in the next few hours from the National Hurricane Center.