Rita becomes third most intense hurricane on record

Hurricane Rita's winds have increased to 175 mph, and its pressure has dropped to 897 mb. This makes it the third most intense hurricane in terms of pressure for the Atlantic Basin. Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 holds the record for most intense with a pressure of 888 mb. The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, which hit the Keys, is No. 2 with 892 mb.
Rita is now No. 3, but it still has time to intensify.