Hurricane Wilma Path
Wilma’s path started in the Caribbean Sea, near Jamaica. It rapidly intensified on October 19 before making landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, causing extensive damage to the region. After crossing the Yucatan Peninsula, it entered the Gulf of Mexico and weakened slightly before turning northeast towards Florida. On October 24, 2005, Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Cape Romano, Florida. The storm then continued to move northeast across the United States, eventually dissipating over the Atlantic Ocean on October 27, 2005.
Hurricane Wilma Category
Hurricane Wilma was a very powerful storm and reached Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the highest level of hurricane intensity. It had maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour and a minimum central pressure of 882 millibars, making it the most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin. Wilma eventually made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It then weakened slightly before making landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm’s intensity and destructive power made it one of the most notable hurricanes in recent history.
Damage Caused by Wilma
Wilma caused significant damage and destruction in the areas it affected. In Mexico, the storm caused widespread power outages, severe flooding, and landslides, resulting in at least 22 deaths and causing an estimated $7.5 billion in damages. In Florida, Wilma caused extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, resulting in at least 5 deaths and an estimated $20.6 billion in damages. The storm knocked out power to millions of residents and caused significant flooding and wind damage in many areas, including the Florida Keys and the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area. The storm also caused significant beach erosion and damage to coastal structures.
Overall, Hurricane Wilma was a very destructive storm that had a significant impact on the areas it affected.