Hurricane Wilma Strengthens in Caribbean
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
2005 now ties with 1933 for the year with most storms in a single season.
Another powerful storm threatens the Caribbean, this time a category 5 hurricane of record-breaking intensity.
Hurricane Wilma is currently moving towards Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula at an estimated speed of seven miles per hour. Wilma has already caused deaths in Jamaica and Haiti, mostly due to mudslides. Hurricane warnings are currently in effect along the easternmost tip of the Yucatan. The Cayman Islands are undergoing preparations for this storm, and a number of events have already been canceled in anticipation of hurricane conditions.
Meanwhile, in the Florida Keys, evacuations are already under way. As hurricane conditions may complicate travel by road (the Keys are connected by a series of long bridges spanning the waters of the Gulf of Mexico), many tourists are being asked to leave before the situation has an opportunity to turn for the worse. More information on the Florida Keys can be found here.
Despite the startling intensity of hurricane Wilma and the strong likelihood of landfall on US soil, news of this latest hurricane has sparked mixed reactions. Whereas a strong contingent is preparing for the worst, some seem to feel that mainstream media outlets have over-hyped the situation. This article from the BBC may give some insight.
Regardless of opinion, most people would agree that it is important to follow the latest news of this storm and to make preparations accordingly. As hurricanes can often change course, there is fear that Wilma could potentially hit the already-devastated areas of the US Gulf Coast. Regardless of where Wilma eventually turns up, the potential outcome could be disastrous.
National Hurricane Center Public Advisory on Hurricane Wilma