Hurricane Wilma still a Category 5 threat

October 19, 2005



As of 8 pm EDT Wednesday, 19 October, the center of Hurricane Wilma was located near 17°9′ N 83°9′ W or about 270 miles (435 km) southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. It is moving to the west-northwest at 7 mph (11 KM/HR)with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h), with higher gusts, making it a dangerous Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, and has a minimum central pressure of 892 mbar.

Rainfall accumulations are expected in amounts of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated areas of 25 inches over the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Rains of 4 to 6 inches can be expected in areas of Honduras and Nicaragua.

A hurricane warning remains in effect from San Felipe to Tulum on the Yucatan peninsula...including Cozumel and the nearby islands. A hurricane warning is also in effect for Swan Island. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from south of Tulum to Chetumal Mexico...and for Belize from the border with Mexico southward to Belize City. A hurricane watch remains in effect for the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula from south of Tulum to Punta Gruesa. A hurricane watch remains in effect in Cuba for the provinces of Matanzas westward through Pinar Del Rio...and for the isle of Youth. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Honduras from the Honduras/Nicaragua border westward to Cabo Camaron. All interests in the Florida Keys and the Florida peninsula should closely monitor the progress of extremely dangerous Hurricane Wilma.

Hurricane Wilma strengthened on its projected looping path around Cuba, then onward towards central and south Florida. Wilma ties the record for the busiest hurricane season ever at 21.

Next Advisory at 11pm EDT

Video Streams
Live Hurricane Wilma Coverage by WFOR-CBS4-Miami-Fort Lauderdale (once activated)