Wilma Is Gone... But Not Forgotten

Updated Monday, October 24, 11:00 p.m. EST
     The wind is finally calm in Florida, but wild Wilma is still on everyone's mind. Wilma whipped through Florida early Monday morning and left behind unbelievable destruction in her wake. It didn't really matter what coast you were on... Wilma generally wreaked havoc across the state. The storm was so large — nearly 400 miles across — that at one time seventy percent of the storm covered the state... from Jacksonville to the southernmost tip of Key West.
     Nearly forty percent of Key West was left under water. Flooding was also an issue in Naples on Florida's West Coast. On Florida's East Coast, Fort Lauderdale was blown apart from Wilma's one-two punch — Category 2 winds on the way through and Category 3 winds on her way out. It is thought that over three million customers could be without power across the state and the major power company in South Florida says it may be weeks before power can be restored. Airports in South Florida are unsure when they might reopen. Miami International Airport suffered damage to some terminal roofs. As of Monday afternoon they had only one runway open and that was reported to only to serve government officials. Here are some of the most recent reports:

• Broward Blown Out - The Miami Herald reports on Fort Lauderdale's damage.
• Hurricane Wilma Photos from the Miami Herald.
• South Florida Hammered by Wilma as reported by South Florida's Sun-Sentinel.
• Hurricane Wilma Photos from South Florida's Sun-Sentinel.
• More Wilma Photos from FloridaToday.com.

Cancellations, closings and evacuations:.

• Port Canaveral closed at 8:00 p.m. Sunday and will remain closed through Monday.
• The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will remain closed through Tuesday.
• Amtrak Auto Train and Silver Services train schedules are experiencing some disruptions.
• Carnival Cruise Lines itinerary changes.
• Tampa Bay area cancellations and reschedulings.
• Many events in the Miami-Dade County area have been cancelled or postponed.
• Key West Airport, Marathon Airport, Miami International Airport and Palm Beach Airport remain CLOSED.
• University of Miami vs Georgia Tech football game was postponed to November 19.
• The Miami Dolphins played their game against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday evening with the Dolphins losing to the Chiefs, 30-20.
• The University of South Florida homecoming game scheduled for Saturday at Raymond James Stadium against West Virginia has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 3.
• All 10 Florida State Parks in the Keys are closed until further notice.
• The following counties have issued evacuations:
  • Collier County (Naples & Marco Island) - Mandatory evacuation for residents west of US Hwy 41 and South of US Hwy. 41.
  • Hardee County - Mandatory for special needs.
  • Hendry County - Mandatory mobile homes and low lying areas.
  • Lee County (Fort Myers & Sanibel Island) - Voluntary evacuations for non-residents and at-risk populations.
  • Martin County
  • Okeechobee - Voluntary evacuations for non-residents and residents in RVs and mobile homes.
  • Sarasota County - Mandatory evacuation for those in mobile homes. Voluntary evacuations for those in low-lying areas and barrier islands.
  • St. Lucie County - Mandatory evacuations for those in mobile homes and barrier islands to begin Sunday, Oct. 23, 11:00 a.m.
• The following counties have cancelled public schools for Monday: Brevard County, Broward County, Citrus County, DeSoto County, Hardee County, Hernando County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, Miami-Dade County, Monroe County, Okeechobee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Sarasota County, St. Lucie County and Sumter County.
• The following counties have cancelled public schools for Tuesday: Broward County, Miami-Dade County and St. Lucie County.
• Collier County, Monroe County and Palm Beach County public schools are closed through Friday.
• The Florida Attorney General's office has set up a toll-free hotline to handle complaints of possible price gouging. The number is 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 p.m. Monday evening Wilma was located near Latitude 31.6 North and Longitude 74.3 West or about 260 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Wilma is racing toward the northeast near 47 mph, with a continued increase in forward speed expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 125 mph with higher gusts. Wilma is a strong Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 105 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 260 miles from the center of the storm.

• Gulf of Mexico Satellite Loop
• 5-Day Forecast Map
• Computer Model Forecasts

• Hurricane Information
• Hurricane Preparations
• What to do During & After a Hurricane
• What Causes Hurricanes?
• Naming Hurricanes: What Happens If We Run Out of Names?

Tracking Hurricane Wilma

Monday, October 24, 5:00 p.m.
     Wilma whipped through Florida early in the day and left behind destruction in her wake. It didn't really seem to matter what coast you were on... Wilma generally wreaked havoc across the state. It has been reported that at least three million customers are left without power and it may be weeks before that power is restored. Here are some of the early reports:

• Hurricane Wilma Photo Gallery
• Wilma Wreaks Havoc Across Dade and Broward: Widespread Damage Reported
• Death, Destruction Follow Wilma Through South Florida
• Wilma Strongest Hurricane to Hit Broward in 50 Years
• Everglades City Under Almost Four Feet of Water

     All hurricane and tropical storm warnings for the Florida Peninsula, including Lake Okeechobee and the Florida Keys have been discontinued However, gale-force winds continue in some areas, especially along portions of the Florida West Coast and the Florida Keys.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 p.m. Monday afternoon Wilma was located near Latitude 29.0 North and Longitude 77.4 West or about 180 miles north of Great Abaco Island in the northwestern Bahamas. Wilma is racing toward the northeast near 37 mph, with a continued increase in forward speed expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 120 mph with higher gusts. Wilma is again a Category 3 hurricane although some weakening is forecast durin ghte next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 105 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 260 miles from the center of the storm.

Monday, October 24, 11:00 a.m.
     Wilma may have taken her time getting here, but she didn't stay long. Hurricane Wilma came ashore early this morning south of Naples, near Marco Island and Everglades City as a Category 3 storm, but already she is making her exit into the Atlantic.
     A hurricane warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. Also, along Florida's West Coast from Longboat Key southward and along Florida's East Coast from Titusville southward, including Lake Okeechobee. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for north of Titusville to St. Augustine and along Florida's West Coast north of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River. The tropical storm watch along the Northeast Coast of Florida from north of St. Augustine to Fernandina Beach has been discontinued.
     Florida expected the worse and hoped for the best. Damage reports are just beginning to trickle in. So far it is reported as many as 2.5 million customers are without power throughout the state. Luckily, I'm not one of them, although my cable was out for a few hours this morning. One death is being reported so far — a tree fell on someone. This seems like the perfect time to remind everyone... PLEASE DO NOT GO OUTSIDE until the winds dye down and your county gives the "ALL CLEAR!" Also, if you have lost power and are using a generator — DO NOT USE A GENERATOR INSIDE OR EVEN IN AN OPEN GARAGE!
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 a.m. Monday morning Wilma was located near Latitude 26.9 North and Longitude 80.0 West or about 15 miles north-northeast of West Palm Beach, Florida. Wilma is moving toward the northeast near 25 mph, with a continued increase in forward speed expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph with higher gusts. This means Wilma is still a Category 2 hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 100 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 260 miles from the center of the storm. Wilma is expected to move into the Atlantic, but because she is such a large storm winds will continue to batter Florida.

Monday, October 24, 5:00 a.m.
     Wilma has certainly taken her time getting here, but the storm will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. The storm strengthened overnight to a strong Category 3 hurricane, and is striking the Southeastern Coast of Florida with sustained winds of 125 mph. Landfall is only minutes away just south of Naples, but tropical storm-force winds are being felt throughout much of the Florida Peninsula. The storm is moving along at near 20 mph, which will see the storm emerge off the East Coast and into the Atlantic by noon today.
     A hurricane warning is in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane warning is also now in effect along Florida's West Coast from Longboat Key southward and along Florida's East Coast from Jupiter Inlet Southward, including Lake Okeechobee. A hurricane warning replaces the previously issued watch along Florida's East Coat north of Jupiter Inlet to Titusville. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm warning north of Titusville to Flagler Beach is now in effect. A tropical storm warning remains in effect along Florida's West Coast north of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River.A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm watch is in effect along the East Coast of Florida from north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach.
     What should Florida expect? Storm surge flooding of 9 to 17 feet above normal tide levels is possible along the Southwest Florida coast near and to the south of where the center of Wilma makes landfall. Storm surge of 5 to 8 feet above normal is possible in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay, as well as in Lake Okeechobee. As some outer bands from Wilma have made their way across Florida over the last couple of days, rainfall totals have been heavy in some areas. Wilma is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches possible. Large swells generated by Wilma will continue to affect portions of the Northeastern Gulf Coat from the Florida Keys northward.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 a.m. Monday morning Wilma was located near Latitude 25.5 North and Longitude 82.4 West or about 55 miles southwest of Naples, Florida. Wilma is moving toward the northeast near 20 mph, with a gradual increase in forward speed expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 125 mph with higher gusts, making Wilma a strong Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 90 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles from the center of the storm. A slow weakening is forecast as Wilma crosses the southern Florida Peninsula.

Sunday, October 23, 11:00 p.m.
     Wilma has certainly taken her time getting here, but there is no turning her away now. She is on Florida's doorstep and the not-too-welcome visitor is expected to come calling early Monday morning, making landfall somewhere near Marco Island. Nearly the entire state will eventually feel the effects of Wilma with either hurricane force or tropical storm force winds and rain. Isolated tornadoes are also a threat throughout the night and Monday.
     A hurricane warning is in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane warning is also now in effect along Florida's West Coast from Longboat Key southward and along Florida's East Coast from Jupiter Inlet Southward, including Lake Okeechobee. A hurricane warning replaces the previously issued watch along Florida's East Coat north of Jupiter Inlet to Titusville. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm warning north of Titusville to Flagler Beach is now in effect. A tropical storm warning remains in effect along Florida's West Coast north of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River.A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm watch is in effect along the East Coast of Florida from north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach.
     What should Florida expect? Storm surge flooding of 9 to 17 feet above normal tide levels is possible along the Southwest Florida coast near and to the south of where the center of Wilma makes landfall. Storm surge of 5 to 8 feet above normal is possible in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay, as well as in Lake Okeechobee. As some outer bands from Wilma have made their way across Florida over the last couple of days, rainfall totals have been heavy in some areas. Wilma is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches possible. Large swells generated by Wilma will continue to affect portions of the Northeastern Gulf Coat from the Florida Keys northward.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 p.m. Sunday evening Wilma was located near Latitude 24.4 North and Longitude 83.7 West or 120 miles west of Key West, Florida and about 170 miles southwest of Naples, Florida. Wilma is moving toward the northeast near 18 mph, with a gradual increase in forward speed expected tonight and Monday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 115 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a dangerous Category 3 hurricane. A slow weakening is forecast as Wilma crosses the southern Florida Peninsula, but the hurricane will still be a significant Category 2 hurricane by the time the center reaches the Florida East Coast early Monday morning.

Sunday, October 23, 8:00 p.m.
     Wilma is becoming slightly more organized and gaining some strength as she heads for Florida where the center of the storm is expected to make landfall Monday morning near Naples. Tropical storm-force winds are approaching the lower Florida Keys and there have been unsubstantiated reports of isolated tornadoes in the Florida Peninsula. Wilma is a large storm that is expected to impact the entire southern half of the state with at least tropical storm-force winds. A hurricane warning is in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane warning is also now in effect along Florida's West Coast from Longboat Key southward and along Florida's East Coast from Jupiter Inlet Southward, including Lake Okeechobee. A hurricane warning replaces the previously issued watch along Florida's East Coat north of Jupiter Inlet to Titusville. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm warning north of Titusville to Flagler Beach is now in effect. A tropical storm warning remains in effect along Florida's West Coast north of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River.A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm watch is in effect along the East Coast of Florida from north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach.
     What should Florida expect? Storm surge flooding of 8 to 13 feet above normal tide levels is possible along the Southwest Florida coast near and to the south of where the center of Wilma makes landfall. Storm surge of 5 to 8 feet above normal is possible in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay, as well as in Lake Okeechobee. As some outer bands from Wilma have made their way across Florida over the last couple of days, rainfall totals have been heavy in some areas. Wilma is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches possible. Isolated tornadoes are possible over the southern Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys today.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening Wilma was located near Latitude 23.9 North and Longitude 84.4 West or 170 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida and about 225 miles southwest of the southwestern coast of the Florida Peninsula. Wilma is moving toward the northeast near 15 mph, with a gradual increase in forward speed expected tonight and Monday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 110 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a strong Category 2 hurricane, but some additional strengthening is possible later tonight.

Sunday, October 23, 5:00 p.m.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon Wilma was located near Latitude 23.5 North and Longitude 84.9 West or 210 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma is moving along at a speedy 14 mph, with a gradual increase in forward speed expected tonight and Monday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 2 hurricane, but some strengthening is possible today or tonight.

Sunday, October 23, 2:00 p.m.
     Florida will not have much longer to wait before Hurricane Wilma pays a visit sometime tomorrow. Thousands have already evacuated mobile homes, barrier islands and low-lying areas to seek shelter elsewhere. I'd like to think we've had plenty of time to prepare for this one, but its uncertain path has left some decisions for evacuations and shelter openings hanging until today. A hurricane warning is in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane warning is also now in effect along Florida's West Coast from Longboat Key southward and along Florida's East Coast from Jupiter Inlet Southward, including Lake Okeechobee. A hurricane warning replaces the previously issued watch along Florida's East Coat north of Jupiter Inlet to Titusville. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm warning north of Titusville to Flagler Beach is now in effect. A tropical storm warning remains in effect along Florida's West Coast north of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River.A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm watch is in effect along the East Coast of Florida from north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach.
     What should Florida expect? Storm surge flooding of 8 to 13 feet above normal tide levels is possible along the Southwest Florida coast near and to the south of where the center of Wilma makes landfall. Storm surge of 5 to 8 feet above normal is possible in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay, as well as in Lake Okeechobee. As some outer bands from Wilma have made their way across Florida over the last couple of days, rainfall totals have been heavy in some areas. Wilma is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated amounts of 12 inches possible. Isolated tornadoes are possible over the southern Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys today.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon Wilma was located near Latitude 23.1 North and Longitude 85.3 West or 240 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma is clipping along at a speedy 12 mph, with a gradual increase in forward speed expected today and Monday. Maximum sustained winds remain near 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 2 hurricane, but some strengthening is possible today or tonight.

Sunday, October 23, 11:00 a.m.
     Hurricane Wilma left a wake of destruction across Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and now she is on her way toward Florida. Even though the computer models seem to be more in agreement for a Southwestern Florida landfall, everyone should monitor this storm closely, and prepartions should be rushed to completion. A hurricane warning is in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane warning is also now in effect along Florida's West Coast from Longboat Key southward and along Florida's East Coast from Jupiter Inlet Southward, including Lake Okeechobee. A hurricane warning replaces the previously issued watch along Florida's East Coat north of Jupiter Inlet to Titusville. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm warning north of Titusville to Flagler Beach is now in effect. A tropical storm warning remains in effect along Florida's West Coast north of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River.A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm watch is in effect along the East Coast of Florida from north of Flagler Beach to Fernandina Beach.
     What should Florida expect? Storm surge flooding of 8 to 13 feet above normal tide levels is possible along the Southwest Florida coast near and to the south of where the center of Wilma makes landfall. Storm surge of 5 to 8 feet above normal is possible in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay, as well as in Lake Okeechobee. As some outer bands from Wilma have made their way across Florida over the last couple of days, rainfall totals have been heavy in some areas. Wilma is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated amounts of 12 inches possible. Isolated tornadoes are possible over the southern Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys today.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning Wilma was located near Latitude 22.7 North and Longitude 85.8 West or 285 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma has picked up forward speed to near 8 mph. Maximum sustained winds remain near 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 2 hurricane, but some strengthening is possible today or tonight.

Sunday, October 23, 5:00 a.m.
     Florida will have to wait for Wilma no more. Tropical storm force winds should begin pelting the coastline this evening, with the storm forecast to make landfall sometime tomorrow before noon. A hurricane warning is in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane warning is also now in effect along Florida's West Coast from Longboat Key southward and along Florida's East Coast from Jupiter Inlet Southward, including Lake Okeechobee. A hurricane warning replaces the previously issued watch along Florida's East Coat north of Jupiter Inlet to Titusville. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm warning north of Titusville to Flagler Beach is now in effect. A tropical storm warning remains in effect along Florida's West Coast north of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River.A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Everyone in the state should monitor the storm's progress and complete their preparations as soon as possible since the projected path is still not completely certain.
     What should Florida expect? Storm surge flooding of 8 to 13 feet above normal tide levels is possible along the Southwest Florida coast near and to the south of where the center of Wilma makes landfall. Storm surge of 5 to 8 feet above normal is possible in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay, as well as in Lake Okeechobee. As some outer bands from Wilma have made their way across Florida over the last couple of days, rainfall totals have been heavy in some areas. Wilma is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated amounts of 12 inches possible. Isolated tornadoes are possible over the southern Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys today.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning Wilma was located near Latitude 22.1 North and Longitude 86.6 West or about 40 miles north of Cancun, Mexico and about 350 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma is moving toward the northeast near 3 mph, with an increase of forward speed expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds remain near 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 2 hurricane, but some strengthening is possible today.

Saturday, October 22, 11:00 p.m.
     Wilma is emerging off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula after causing extensive damage to the popular tourist destination. Thousands of tourists were unable to flee the storm and instead spent a terrifying two days in shelters. Meanwhile, Floridians will not have long now to wait for Wilma. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the West Coast late Sunday, with hurricane conditions enveloping the state early Monday morning. A hurricane warning is in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane warning is also now in effect along Florida's West Coast from Longboat Key southward and along Florida's East Coast from Jupiter Inlet Southward, including Lake Okeechobee. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A hurricane watch is in effect along Florida's East Coat north of Jupiter Inlet to Titusville.A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm warning is in effect along Florida's West Coast north of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River.A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Everyone in the state should monitor the storm's progress and complete their preparations as soon as possible.
     Meanwhile, Wilma has already started to affect weather conditions in Florida. Large swells generated by Wilma have been affecting the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Fort Lauderdale experienced heavy rainfall and local flooding Saturday due to Wilma's outer bands of thunderstorms. Conditions should continue to deteriorate thoughout Sunday and even isolated tornadoes are possible over the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys during the next couple of days.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 p.m. Saturday evening Wilma was located near Latitude 21.8 North and Longitude 86.9 West or about 50 miles north of Cancun, Mexico and about 375 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma is moving toward the north near 3 mph, with a turn toward the northeast at a faster forward speed expected on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds remain near 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 2 hurricane, but some strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours.

Saturday, October 22, 5:00 p.m.
     Wilma is wandering about Mexico's Yucatan Pensinsula and is expected to eventually enter the Gulf of Mexico later tonight and make a turn toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. Now a Category 2 hurricane, Wilma still packs sustained winds of near 100 mph. A hurricane watch remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane watch has been issued along the West Coast of Florida from Longboat Key southward and along the East Coast of Florida from Titusville southward. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours. Everyone in the state should monitor the storm's progress and complete their preparations. Meanwhile, large swells generated by Wilma have are affecting the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. These swells will likely affect portions of the Northern Gulf Coast tonight and Sunday. Isolated tornadoes are possible over the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys during the next couple of days.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon Wilma was located near Latitude 21.4 North and Longitude 87.1 West or about 40 miles northwest of Cancun, Mexico and about 405 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma is drifting northward at near 2 mph, with a gradual turn toward the northeast expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have decreased again to near 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 2 hurricane. Wilma could regain Category 3 status during the next 24 hours..

Saturday, October 22, 2:00 p.m.
     Wilma is wandering about Mexico's Yucatan Pensinsula and is expected to eventually enter the Gulf of Mexico. Now a Category 2 hurricane, Wilma still packs sustained winds of near 110 mph — enough to still inflict major damage. The storm is expected to begin moving eastward tonight, beginning its trek toward Southwest Florida. Forecasters are expecting Wilma to make landfall somewhere in Southwest Florida early Monday. A hurricane watch has been issued for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A hurricane watch will likely be required for portions of the Florida Peninsula this afternoon. Everyone in the state should monitor the storm's progress and complete their preparations. Meanwhile, Florida is already feeling the effects of Hurricane Wilma with bands of thunderstorms and swells along the West Coast as far north as the Panhandle. These swells will extend northward across the northern Gulf Coast today.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 2:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon Wilma was located near Latitude 21.2 North and Longitude 87.0 West or just west of Cancun, Mexico and about 400 miles southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma is drifting northward, with a slow northward motion expected today. Maximum sustained winds have decreased again to near 110 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 2 hurricane. Some strengthening is again possible as Wilma moves into the Gulf of Mexico.

Saturday, October 22, 11:00 a.m.
     A slightly weaker and stationary Wilma will continue to batter portions of the extreme northeastern Yucatan Peninsula thoughout today. Now a Category 3, Wilma still packs sustained winds of near 115 mph. The storm has begun a gradual drift northward and some time tomorrow is expected to charge eastward toward Florida. The projected landfall is expected somewhere in Southwest Florida on Monday, but that path isn't certain at this time. A hurricane watch has been issued for all of the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A hurricane watch will likely be required for portions of the Florida Peninsula this afternoon. Everyone in the state should monitor the storm's progress and complete their preparations. Meanwhile, Florida is already feeling the effects of Hurricane Wilma with bands of thunderstorms and swells along the West Coast as far north as the Panhandle. These swells will extend northward across the northern Gulf Coast today.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning the storm was located near Latitude 21.3 North and Longitude 87.0 West or just southwest of Cancun, Mexico and about 400 miles southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma is drifting northward, with a slow northward motion expected today. Maximum sustained winds have decreased again to near 115 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 3 hurricane. Some additional weakening is expected today while Wilma is over land.

Saturday, October 22, 5:00 a.m.
     A slightly weaker and stationary Wilma will continue to batter portions of the extreme northeastern Yucatan Peninsula thoughout today. Now a Category 3, Wilma still packs sustained winds of near 125 mph. The storm will begin a gradual drift northward later today and some time tomorrow is expected to charge eastward toward Florida. The projected landfall is expected somewhere in Southwest Florida on Monday, but that path isn't certain at this time. A hurricane watch will likely be required for portions of Florida later today. Everyone in the state should monitor the storm's progress and complete their preparations. Meanwhile, Florida is already feeling the effects of Hurricane Wilma with bands of thunderstorms and swells along the West Coast as far north as the Panhandle. These swells will extend northward across the northern Gulf Coast today.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning the storm was located near Latitude 20.9 North and Longitude 87.2 West or about 25 miles southwest of Cancun, Mexico and about 430 miles southwest of Key West, Florida. Wilma is stationary, but a gradual northward drift should begin later today. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 125 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is now a Category 3 hurricane. Some additional weakening is expected today while Wilma is over land.

Friday, October 21, 11:00 p.m.
     Governor Jeb Bush orchestrated a press conference today where he declared a state of emergency for Florida. While individual counties began issuing both mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders for various populations, there were still beach goers soaking up the sun along Florida's West Coast. Still it was evident that most were taking preparations seriously. State officials tried to reassure residents there was plenty of gasoline as cars carrying evacuees clogged interstate highways. Since few shelters were open today, hotels inland and in North Florida began filling up and posting no-vacancy signs. And, as the list of closings scrolled constantly across the bottom of television screens, it seemed unlikely that much would be open Monday when Hurricane Wilma is expected to blow across the state.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 p.m. Friday evening the storm was located near Latitude 20.8 North and Longitude 86.9 West or about 15 miles south of Cancun, Mexico and about 20 miles north of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving northwest near 3 mph. A very slow motion toward the north-northwest or north is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds remain near 140 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane, but some weakening is expected tonight and Saturday as the center moves over land.

Friday, October 21, 5:00 p.m.
     Although Hurricane Wilma churns miles from Florida, she is already causing our lives to spin out of control. I would compare waiting for Wilma to a long difficult labor. Florida only learned mid-week that it was expecting Wilma, but if time hasn't stood still... our lives have. It has been a long week, and it will undoubtedly be a longer weekend. Like responsible parents-to-be, most of us have done everything we can to prepare for her arrival — gassed up our cars, stripped the grocery shelves of water and non-perishable food, and stocked up on batteries. We don't know when Wilma is coming, so there is nothing left to do but wait... and watch yet another weather report.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 p.m. Friday afternoon the storm was located near Latitude 20.6 North and Longitude 86.9 West or over the northeastern end of the island of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving northwest near 5 mph, with this general motion expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have decreased slightly to near 140 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane, but some weakening is expected tonight and Saturday after the center moves inland.

Friday, October 21, 11:00 a.m.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 a.m. Friday morning the storm was located near Latitude 20.2 North and Longitude 86.5 West or about 35 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving northwest near 5 mph. Maximum sustained winds have decreased slightly to near 145 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane, but some fluctuations in intensity are possible before landfall along the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Friday, October 21, 5:00 a.m.
     As Hurricane Wilma slowed on its approach to the Yucatan Peninsula, forecasters began pushing back the time of the storm's expected arrival in Florida. Instead of in the middle of the weekend, landfall now is expected to be late Sunday or early Monday. Their real concern, however, still remains Wilma's projected path. The longer it takes to approach the Gulf of Mexico, will the steering currents remain in place that will take it toward Southwest Florida? Any deviation might mean other Gulf Coast communities farther to the north would be at risk. That is why it is so important for all of Florida (and the Gulf Coast) to monitor this storm closely.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 a.m. Friday morning the storm was located near Latitude 20.0 North and Longitude 86.2 West or about 55 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving north-northwest near 6 mph. Maximum sustained winds remain near 150 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane, but there is a possibility that Wilma will strengthen to a Category 5 before making landfall near Cozumel.

Thursday, October 20, 11:00 p.m.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 p.m. Thursday evening the storm was located near Latitude 19.3 North and Longitude 86.0 West or about 100 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving toward the northwest near 6 mph with this track expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds remain near 150 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane, but forecasters are expecting the storm to regain Category 5 strength later tonight.

Thursday, October 20, 5:00 p.m.
     Closings and evacuations are beginning to affect Florida. Here is what we know so far:

• The Florida Keys issued a mandatory evacuation of all visitors.
• The Florida Keys resident evacuation will begin Friday morning according to this schedule.
• All 10 Florida State Parks in the Keys are closed until further notice.
• The Florida Attorney General's office has set up a toll-free hotline to handle complaints of possible price gouging. The number is 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).

     All this preparation is taking place as forecasters become less clear of Wilma's projected path and when she might make landfall in Florida. Wilma is strengthening and is expected to again become a Category 5 hurricane with the potential for devasting damage. The storm has grown so large that if it does strike Florida, there will be many areas affected. It is more important than ever to monitor this storm's progress.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 p.m. Thursday evening the storm was located near Latitude 18.9 North and Longitude 85.7 West or about 135 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving toward the northwest near 6 mph. Maximum sustained winds have increased slightly to near 150 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center of the storm. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane, but forecasters are expecting the storm to regain Category 5 strength later tonight.

Thursday, October 20, 11:00 a.m.
     The southern half of the peninsula of Florida continues to be on alert from the Tampa Bay area southward. It is important for everyone in that portion of the state to carefully monitor the hurricane's progress.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning the storm was located near Latitude 18.4 North and Longitude 85.5 West or about 170 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving toward the west-northwest near 7 mph, with a turn toward the northwest expected later today. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 145 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane and some re-strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours.

Thursday, October 20, 5:00 a.m.
     If you've been comparing the projected path of Wilma since she turned into a hurricane two days ago, you'll know that nothing is certain when forecasting these unpredictable storms. Just about the only thing the computer models agree on is Wilma is likely to strike somewhere in South Florida. This makes the jobs of the emergency management officials across Florida difficult. Getting the word out and moving thousands of people takes time — lots of it. If they wait too long, people might get caught on the road, or worse yet... not have time to leave at all. If they call an evacuation too early, they may not just disrupt thousands of lives for nothing, they actually may send evacuees into the path of the storm. Those decisions are likely today... let's hope they are the right ones.
     Although the Florida Keys have already ordered a mandatory evacuation of visitors, it is likely a mandatory evacuation for residents will be issued sometime today. The southern half of the peninsula is on alert from the Tampa Bay area southward. It is important for everyone in that portion of the state to carefully monitor the hurricane's progress.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning the storm was located near Latitude 18.3 North and Longitude 85.0 West or about 195 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph, with a turn toward the northwest expected later today. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 150 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane and some re-intensification is forecast during the next 24 hours.

Wednesday, October 19, 11:00 p.m.
     Regions of Florida that were hard hit last year by Hurricane Charley are again facing the threat of a major hurricane. The projected path of Hurricane Wilma has the storm making landfall along the Southeastern Coast of Florida. It has taken more than a year for some to feel their lives were finally getting back on track. Now those lives may be derailed again.
     Although the Florida Keys have ordered a mandatory evacuation of visitors, most Florida counties will be making evacuation decisions today. However, the southern half of the peninsula is on alert from the Tampa Bay area southward. It is important for everyone in that portion of the state to carefully monitor the hurricane's progress.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 p.m. Wednesday evening the storm was located near Latitude 18.1 North and Longitude 84.3 West or about 235 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph, with a turn toward the northwest expected on Thursday. Maximum sustained winds are near 155 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane Wilma is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane.

Wednesday, October 19, 5:00 p.m.
     It is hard to describe a monster, and it is even harder to know you must prepare to defend yourself against one. Yet Floridians find themselves in that position this evening. The monster is Hurricane Wilma and Florida's best defense is preparation. Evacuations are already underway in the Florida Keys and the southern half of the peninsula is on alert from the Tampa Bay area southward along the West Coast. Forecasters are warning at this hour that fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next 24 hours making it possible that the previously forecast path may change. So, it is extremely important that everyone in Florida carefully monitor the storm's progress.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon the storm was located near Latitude 17.7 North and Longitude 83.7 West or about 285 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving toward the west-northwest near 7 mph, with a turn toward the northwest expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are reported near 160 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Hurricane Wilma isn't just a potentially catastrophic Category 5 storm, she is now on record as the most powerful hurricane to ever form in the Atlantic. This is based on a minimum central pressure of 884 mb measured earlier today.

Wednesday, October 19, 11:00 a.m.
     Hurricane Wilma is a Category 5 storm. In hurricanes of this intensity, fluctuations are common, so forecasters are encouraging all interests in the Florida Keys and the Florida Peninsula to monitor the progress of the storm over the next 24 to 36 hours. Floridians are taking this storm seriously and are beginning to scramble to gas stations and grocery stores in preparation for a less-than-welcome weekend visit from Wilma.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning the storm was located near Latitude 17.4 North and Longitude 83.2 West or about 325 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. Wilma is moving toward the west-northwest near 7 mph, with a turn toward the northwest expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are reported near 175 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.

Wednesday, October 19, 5:00 a.m.
     Wow! When I went to bed last night, the National Hurricane Center was reporting that Wilma was a Category 2 hurricane. What a surprise to find out in a matter of just six hours the hurricane had gained enough strength to be classified a Category 5. What a hurricane season it has been! Wilma is the 21st named storm this season, and the twelfth hurricane. That's enough tropical activity to tie the 1933 record. The big question is where will Wilma wind up? Forecasters think they have a pretty good idea — South Florida — but we all know how unpredictable these storms can be. I've seen the forecast path, expected strength and day of landfall change a half a dozen times over the last two days, so we should all keep a close eye on the tropics and begin to make plans and preparations... just in case.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 a.m. Wednesday morning the storm was located near Latitude 17.2 North and Longitude 82.5 West or about 170 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman. Wilma is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph, with a turn toward the northwest expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are reported near 175 mph with higher gusts. Wilma is a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.

Tuesday, October 18, 11:00 p.m.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 p.m. Tuesday evening the storm was located near Latitude 16.8 North and Longitude 82.1 West or about 185 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman. Wilma is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph, with a turn toward the northwest expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are reported near 110 mph with higher gusts. Wilma is a Category 2 hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 155 miles.

Tuesday, October 18, 5:00 p.m.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 5:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon the storm was located near Latitude 16.7 North and Longitude 81.5 West or about 180 miles south of Grand Cayman. Wilma is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph. Maximum sustained winds are reported near 80 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

Tuesday, October 18, 11:00 a.m.
     If you are tracking Wilma, as of 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning the storm was located near Latitude 16.5 North and Longitude 80.2 West or about 195 miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman. Wilma is moving toward the northwest at 7 mph. Maximum sustained winds are reported near 75 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 120 miles.
     Forecasters believe steering currents will take Wilma across South Florida sometime this weekend. By then she is expected to be a very strong Category 2 or 3 hurricane. However, we all know how unpredictable these storms are, so everyone along the West Coast of Florida should keep a close eye on weather reports (or check back here) over the next few days.

Tracking Tropical Storm Wilma

Tuesday, October 18, 5:00 a.m.
     Just saying the name of the latest tropical storm will undoubtedly bring to mind Fred Flintstone. I can almost hear him yelling, "Wil-l-l-l-ma!" All kidding aside, this has been a memorable hurricane season, but it looks like it isn't over yet. It looks like Wilma may come calling on South Florida as early as this weekend... as a major hurricane.
     If you want to track Wilma, as of 5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning the storm was located near Latitude 15.7 North and Longitude 80.6 West or about 260 miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman. Wilma has been nearly stationary throughout the night and little movement is expected over the next few hours. Maximum sustained winds are reported near 70 mph with higher gusts with these tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 70 miles.

Monday, October 17, 11:00 p.m.
     If you want to track Wilma, at 11:00 p.m. Monday evening the storm was located near Latitude 15.8 North and Longitude 80.0 West or about 250 miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman. The storm is creeping toward the west at about 2 mph. Maximum sustained winds are reported at 65 mph with higher gusts with these tropical storm force winds extending outward to 70 miles.