Ernesto upgraded to hurricane prior to landfall

At 18Z today (2pm EDT), a special advisory was released by NHC to upgrade Ernesto to a 70kt hurricane based on the latest aircraft reconnaissance flight data.  The eyewall is also completely within radar range now... on this image shown here, the center is near 18.6N 85.6W and still moving WNW at 12kts.  The eye should reach the coastline right around midnight EDT.  The forecast intensity and track remain basically unchanged.

[link to full radar loop from Belize]

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