Hurricane Wilma Gathers Strength over Gulf and Heads toward Florida and Cuba

October 23rd 2005

Hurricane Wilma has been downgraded to a category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale with sustained winds of 100 mph (160 km/hr.  The weather service expects Wilma to strengthen today and tonight over the warm gulf waters and has already accelerated northeastward. 

Hurricane warnings are still in effect for the Florida Keys including Dry Tortugas, Florida Bay and along the west coast of Florida north to Longboat Key.  The East Coast of Florida should prepare as well.  A hurricane warning is in effect from Titusville southward including Okeechobee. 

Tropical storm warnings are in effect northward of Longboat Key to Steinhatchee River. Storm warnings remain in effect along Florida’s East Coast north of Titusville to Flager Beach.  A watch means conditions are expected within 24 hours and a warning means the conditions are likely within 36 hours.

A so 1 PM Sunday (CDT) the center of the hurricane was located about 240 miles west-southwest of Key West Florida.  Wilma is moving toward the northeast at about 12 mph and will likely increase in speed. 

Hurricane warnings are in effect for parts of Cuba including the provinces of Ciudad de la Habana, La Habana and Pinar Del Rio.  A tropical storm warning is in effect for the province of Matanzas.   

Hurricane force winds extend outward 70 miles from the center and tropical storm winds extend outward up to 200 miles from the center.  Wilma could produce 10 to 15 inches of rainfall and there could be isolated tornadoes over central and southern Florida. 

By Dan Wilson
Best Syndication Staff Writer

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