Irene may be entering an area for steadily increasing strength if the shear doesn't hamper it much...Past the islands and gliding like she is on ice now...
And how much effect can a 20 to 30 kt shear actually have on a fully developed, well constructed cane under other ideal conditions?...
Hot atmosphere, hot water, and still some inflow feeding moisture from the southeast...
Intensity growth above expectations for the next 36 hrs. shouldn't be surprising if it occurs...LJ