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Hurricane Wilma

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Hurricane Wilma is the 21st named storm, twelfth hurricane, and sixth major hurricane of the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. It was also the third Category 5 hurricane of the season, beating the records set by the 1960 and 1961 seasons.

At its peak, it was the most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, with the lowest atmospheric pressure ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere of 882 millibars (26.05 inHg) at sea level, a record previously held by Hurricane Gilbert. Wilma is the third Category 5 hurricane to develop in October, the other two being Hurricane Mitch of 1998 and Hurricane Hattie of 1961. It is the second 21st storm in any season, and formed nearly a month earlier than the only previous 21st storm (in 1933).

Wilma is currently located in the Atlantic Ocean south of Nova Scotia, moving rapidly to the northeast. Now out of the Gulf Stream and over the cool waters, the storm is expected gradually to transition to an extratropical system, turn to the east-northeast, and eventually dissipate.

Wilma has made several landfalls, with the most destructive effects felt in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Cuba, and the U.S. state of Florida. At least 33 deaths have been reported, and insured damage is estimated at between US$8-12 billion (about $6-9 billion in the US) and total damage likely to be in the $15-20 billion range, which would rank Wilma among the top 10 costliest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic.

Hurricane Wilma
DurationOct. 15 – Oct. 25, 2005

Storm history

In the second week of October 2005, a large and complex area of low pressure developed over the western Atlantic and eastern Caribbean with several centers of thunderstorm activity. This area of disturbed weather southwest of Jamaica slowly organized into Tropical Depression Twenty-four on October 15.

It reached tropical storm strength at 5 am EDT October 17 (09:00 UTC), making it the first storm ever to use the 'W' name since alphabetical naming began in 1950, and tying the record for most storms in a season with 1933. Moving slowly over warm water with little wind shear, it strengthened steadily and became a hurricane on October 18. This made it the 12th hurricane of the season, tying the record set in 1969.

Hurricane Wilma bearing down on the Yucatán Peninsula as a strong Category 4 hurricane on October 20, 2005.

Hurricane Wilma began to intensify rapidly during late afternoon on October 18 around 4 pm EDT. Over a 10 hour period Hurricane Hunter aircraft measured a 78 mbar (2.30 inHg) pressure drop. In a 24-hour period from 8 am EDT October 18 (12:00 UTC) to the following morning, the pressure fell 90 mbar (2.65 inHg). In this same 24-hour period, Wilma strengthened from a strong tropical storm with 70 mph (110 km/h) winds to a powerful Category 5 hurricane with 175 mph (280 km/h) winds. (In comparison, Hurricane Gilbert of 1988 – the previous recordholder for lowest Atlantic pressure – recorded a 78 mbar (2.30 inHg) pressure drop in a 24 hour period for a 3 mbar/h pressure drop.) This is a record for the Atlantic basin and is one of the most rapid deepening phases ever undergone by a tropical cyclone anywhere on Earth. The current record holder is Super Typhoon Forrest in 1983. [1]

With Hurricane Wilma, 2005 became the first year on record to host three category 5 storms in the Atlantic basin (the other two being Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita).

During its intensification on October 19, the eye's diameter shrank to as small as 1.5 to 2.0 nautical miles, which may be the smallest eye recorded in a tropical cyclone. [2]

Quickly thereafter, Wilma set a record for the lowest pressure ever recorded in an Atlantic hurricane when its central pressure dropped to 884 mbar (26.10 inHg) at 8 am EDT (12:00 UTC) on October 19, then dropped again to 882 mbar (26.045 InHg) three hours later before rising slowly in the afternoon (while remaining a Category 5 hurricane). In addition, at 11 pm EDT that day (03:00 UTC October 20), Wilma's pressure dropped again to 894 mbar (26.40 inHg) – as the storm weakened to a Category 4 with winds of 155 mph (250 km/h). Wilma was the first hurricane ever in the Atlantic Basin to have a central pressure below 900 mbar (26.58 inHg) while at Category 4 intensity (in fact, only two other recorded Atlantic hurricanes have ever had lower pressures even at this point).

File:WilmaCancun.jpg
Photo taken from the balcony of a Cancún hotel at the height of the storm.

While Wilma was the most intense hurricane (i.e. a tropical cyclone in Atlantic, Central Pacific or Eastern Pacific) ever recorded, there have been many more intense typhoons in the Pacific (see link in the next section). Super Typhoon Tip is the most intense tropical cyclone on record at 870 mbar (25.69 inHg).

Radar image of Hurricane Wilma as it slowly drifted inland over the NE Yucatán Peninsula with winds of 140 mph.

On October 21, Hurricane Wilma made landfall on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula as a powerful category four hurricane, with winds in excess of 150 mph. The hurricane's eye first passed over the island of Cozumel, and then made an official landfall near Playa del Carmen in the state of Quintana Roo around midnight on October 22 EDT with winds near 140 mph. Portions of the island of Cozumel experienced the calm eye of Wilma for several hours with some blue skies and sunshine visible at times. The eye slowly drifted northward, with the center passing just to the west of Cancún, Quintana Roo. Some portions of the Yucatán Peninsula experienced hurricane force winds for well over 24 hours. The hurricane began accelerating in the early morning hours of October 23, exiting the NE tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and entering the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 2 storm.

File:Wilma oct24 11am.jpg
Hurricane Wilma reintensifies after encountering the Gulf Loop Current.

Despite significant wind shear in the Gulf, Hurricane Wilma regained some strength before making a third landfall just north of Everglades City, Florida, near Cape Romano, at 6:30 am EDT October 24 (10:30 UTC) as a Category 3 hurricane. The reintensification of Hurricane Wilma was due to its interaction with the Gulf Loop Current. At landfall, Wilma had sustained winds of 125 mph (200 km/h). Over the Florida peninsula, Wilma weakened slightly to a Category 2 hurricane, and exited Florida and entered the Atlantic at that strength about six hours later.

Unexpectedly, Wilma regained strength over the Gulf Stream and once again became a Category 3 hurricane north of the Bahamas and regained all the strength it lost within 12 hours. However, on October 25, the storm gradually began weakening and became extratropical late that afternoon south of Nova Scotia - while still at hurricane strength and affecting a large area of land and water with stormy conditions.

Current storm information

File:Wilma forecast track (Canada).png
Projected path of Hurricane Wilma.

As of 9 pm ADT October 25 (0000 UTC October 26), the poorly-defined center of Hurricane Wilma was over water in the Atlantic Ocean near 42°36′N 60°12′W / 42.6°N 60.2°W / 42.6; -60.2 or about 90 statute miles (145 km) south of Sable Island. Wilma is tracking east-northeast at 52 mph (83 km/h) well north of the Gulf Stream and is at Category 1 intensity on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h). The minimum central pressure is 974 mbar (28.77 inHg). [3]

While Wilma is rapidly becoming extratropical, its winds and rains continue to affect much of northeastern North America, especially Atlantic Canada and New England, as Wilma also spins off a nor'easter farther to the west. The strongest winds will remain over water; several buoys south of Nova Scotia have reported hurricane-force gusts.

Preparations

Quintana Roo government officials declared a red alert on the evening of Wednesday, October 19. Classes were suspended in the state's northern municipalities and residents of coastal areas were advised to take refuge further inland; tourists in the resort city of Cancún and its adjacent islands were told to return to their places of origin or head inland. In neighboring Yucatán, classes were also suspended in 18 coastal municipalities. [4]

In Nicaragua, civil organizations were ordered to make hurricane preparations.

In El Salvador, the National Emergency Committee was activated.

In Cuba, preparations were made to evacuate four western provinces, including the Isle of Youth [5]. In all, over 368,000 people were ordered to evacuate. [6].

A mandatory evacuation of residents is in effect for the Florida Keys in Monroe County. However, reports suggest that as many of 80% of residents may have ignored the evacuation order. County offices, schools and courts will be closed Monday. About 300 Keys evacuees are being housed at the Monroe County shelter at Florida International University in Miami-Dade County [7].

Also in Florida, all Collier County public schools were declared closed for Friday, October 21. The schools were closed to "allow parents and staff to prepare for the storm and potential evacuation. The closings will also allow for needed preparation of schools to be used as hurricane shelters." [8]

Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers has completed an evacuation; classes have been canceled until further notice. Eckerd College in St. Petersburg has finished an evacuation, which was scheduled to end by 5 pm EDT on October 20. All campuses of the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and the University of Central Florida were closed on Monday, October 24.

Mandatory evacuations were in effect for all Collier County residents living West or South of US 41. Other areas that were included in the mandatory evacuation were Seagate, Parkshore, The Moorings, Coquina Sands, Olde Naples, Aqualane Shores, Port Royal and Royal Harbour. Hurricane shelters in the area are opened. Curfews are already in place for several cities in Lee and Collier counties. [9]

Impact

Death toll

Country Total Region State
total 		County County
total 		Direct
deaths
Cuba 4 0
Haïti 12 12
Jamaica 1 1
Mexico 10 Quintana Roo 7 5
Yucatán 1 1
Unknown 2 2?
USA 8 Florida 8 Broward 1 1
Collier 2 1
Miami-Dade 2 1
Palm Beach 2 2
St. Johns 1 0
Totals 35 26
Because of differing sources, totals may not match.

Some preliminary information is already starting to come in from the first affected areas. Mudslides have been triggered from the outer bands in Haiti, killing at least 12 people. [10]

Wilma claimed one death in Jamaica as a tropical depression on Sunday, October 16. It pounded the island for a third day on October 18, 2005, flooding several low-lying communities and triggering mudslides that blocked roads and damaged several homes. Almost 250 people were in emergency shelters on the island. [11]

At least ten deaths were reported in Mexico. Two were in the Playa del Carmen area due to a gas explosion caused by the strong winds. Four deaths have also been reported on Cozumel and another in Cancún due to wind blowing a window out. Another death was reported in the state of Yucatán due to a falling tree, but no other details were available. Two other deaths were reported, but no other details could be determined. [12]

In Cuba, a bus carrying evacuees crashed, killing four people, including three foreign tourists. [13]

At least eight Hurricane Wilma-related deaths were reported in the USA. CNN reports that a Coral Springs man was killed by a falling tree, according to a Broward County official. [14] Three more direct deaths were reported in Florida, one in rural Collier County and two in Palm Beach County, all due to wind-blown debris. In addition, a drowning was reported on Maule Lake in northern Miami-Dade County from a capsized boat. [15] Wilma was also blamed for three indirect deaths, a young child who died in a freak automobile accident after the storm, a woman who died in another automobile accident while evacuating and a man who died of a heart attack while walking in the storm. [16]

Direct deaths indicate those caused by the direct effects of the winds, flooding, tornadoes, storm surge or oceanic effects of Wilma. Indirect deaths indicate those caused by hurricane-related accidents (including car accidents, fires or other incidents), as well as clean-up and evacuation incidents and health issues (e.g. poisoning, illnesses, waiting for help).

Mexico

Information on damage remains sketchy. However, according to pictures and television reports, there is extensive structural damage throughout the Cancún area, as well as significant flooding and many downed trees and power lines and scattered debris. Several homes had also collapsed. Rainfall amounts in excess of 23 inches (590 mm) were reported in several areas, with Isla Mujeres reporting 1,637mm -- three times what Hurricane Gilbert dropped. [17] One gymnasium used as a shelter lost its roof, which forced the evacuation of 1,000+ people staying there. [18]

The Governor of Quintana Roo, Félix González, said in an interview: "Never in the history of Quintana Roo have we seen a storm like this." [19]

On Cozumel, the damage is extensive, but not as catastrophic as originally feared according to a witness, with many broken windows, fallen trees and power lines but less in the way of structural damage.

Communication is limited at this point as telephone and electric services are completely out in the affected areas. There have also been extensive reports of looting of many businesses in the Yucatán, particularly in Cancun. [20]

After Wilma passed, there was a sense of desperation that developed in the region, due to the fact that people were being held in shelters due to the extensive damage. Thousands of tourists remain stranded in shelters, and the priority is sending them home now, according to President Vicente Fox. Buses have begun to come into Cancun from Merida, where tourists are hoping to find flights home. [21]

Insured damage in Mexico is estimated at between $1-3 billion, which would likely translate to $2-5 billion (USD) in total damage. [22]

Cuba

Coastal flooding was reported in many areas due to Wilma's storm surge and flooding from the outer bands, particularly around Havana. Over 250 homes were heavily flooded and rescuers required scuba gear, inflatable rafts and amphibious vehicles to reach the most severely flooded areas. [23] The city of Havana was also without power and wind damage was reported as a result of winds up to 85 mph (140 km/h). [24]

Florida

Early reports suggest the damage from Wilma is extensive and widespread over South Florida due to winds and flooding. Key West is under 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 metres) of water from the storm surge, and major flooding was reported throughout the Keys.

More than 3.2 million homes, or about 6 million people, are currently without electricity, and many windows were knocked out of high-rise buildings, roofs were torn off buildings and many mobile homes were destroyed. In addition, even while the center of Wilma was still a long way away from Florida, its effects were already being felt with its expansive outer bands. Flooding was reported in several areas, particularly in Broward County. Some damage was reported. [25] The damage in Fort Lauderdale has been described as the worst in at least 55 years.

One section of the roof of Kennedy Space Center was stripped away by Wilma's winds, despite being over 150 miles (240 km) north of the center of the storm.

Current insured damage estimates range between $6-9 billion in Florida, which would likely result in a total cost of $10-15 billion in the state. [26]

Over 3,000 National Guardsmen have been mobilized, and thousands more are on alert. [27]

Economic impact

Orange juice futures reached the highest level in six years on Wednesday, October 19, 2005, closing up 2.9 cents at $1.118 per pound. Wilma's potential for damage to orange trees in Florida could have an impact on several upcoming growing cycles. This is compounded by problems caused last year by Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne, which devastated Florida's orange crop, destroying many groves entirely. [28]

File:HurricaneWilma wind swath Updated New.GIF
The wind swath of Hurricane Wilma.

As dynamic models have moved the storm's track east over Florida, oil futures eased as worries of another direct hit on the oil producing regions of the Gulf of Mexico subsided.

The NFL moved up its regular-season game between Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins to 7pm on Friday, October 21 in preparation of the hurricane. The NCAA postponed two college football games scheduled in south Florida on Saturday, October 22. Georgia Tech vs. University of Miami has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 19. West Virginia vs South Florida has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 3. The NHL rescheduled its Saturday, October 22 regular-season game between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers to Monday, December 5.

The economic impact isn't limited to the United States, however. The popular Mexican resort towns of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Cancún all suffered significant damage from Wilma, causing major loss of tourism income.

Most intense Atlantic hurricanes (
)
Rank Hurricane Season Pressure
hPa inHg
1 Wilma 2005 882 26.05
2 Gilbert 1988 888 26.23
3 "Labor Day" 1935 892 26.34
4 Rita 2005 895 26.43
Milton 2024
6 Allen 1980 899 26.55
7 Camille 1969 900 26.58
8 Katrina 2005 902 26.64
9 Mitch 1998 905 26.73
Dean 2007
Source: HURDAT[1]


See also

References

  1. ^ Atlantic Oceanic and Meterological Laboratory
  2. ^ Jeff Masters' Weather Underground blog
  3. ^ El Universal: Preparan alerta roja en Quintana Roo Template:Es icon
  4. ^ BBC: Hurricane Wilma grows in strength
  5. ^ Hurricane Wilma pounds Mexico's Yucatan
  6. ^ Monroe County, Florida: Emergency Bulletins
  7. ^ Collier County Public Schools
  8. ^ WBBH NBC-2 Collier County issues evacuations
  9. ^ Yahoo News: Hurricane Wilma intensifies, turns deadly in Haiti
  10. ^ NDTV: Wilma nears Cayman Islands
  11. ^ Wilma pounds Florida, floods Cuba, kills 15
  12. ^ Hurricane Wilma kills at least 7 in Mexico
  13. ^ Hurricane Wilma kills at least 7 in Mexico
  14. ^ Hurricane Wilma pounds Mexico's Yucatan
  15. ^ Hurricane Wilma kills at least 7 in Mexico
  16. ^ Hurricane Wilma Punishes Mexican Coastline
  17. ^ Hurricane Wilma kills at least 7 in Mexico
  18. ^ Wilma pummels Florida
  19. ^ Wilma's Rain Bands cause Flooding in Broward
  20. ^ Wilma pummels Florida
  21. ^ AccuWeather.com
  22. ^ Wilma Barrels Across South Florida
  23. ^ First U.S victim reported by CNN
  24. ^ Wilma Barrels Across South Florida
  25. ^ Wilma Kills 6 in Fla.; 6M Without Power

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Wikinews has related news:
  1. ^ "Atlantic hurricane best track (HURDAT version 2)" (Database). United States National Hurricane Center. May 11, 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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