Wilma Weakens After Hitting Cancun, Mexico

[uppityperson]

"Weakens" means Category 2, but I thought the article is interesting. Notice the looting references? I am glad I am not living in hurricane country and so sorry for people who are having to go through this.

http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2005/10/22/ap/headlines/d8dd8eq04.txt

Hurricane Wilma sent ocean waves surging over the narrow strip of land that holds Cancun's resort hotels Saturday, flooding streets several yards deep as some 30,000 tourists huddled in hotels and shelters taking on water.
<clip>
During the brief lull as the eye of the storm passed over Cancun, dozens of people were seen looting at least four convenience stores, carrying off bags of pasta, soda and canned tuna. Others dragged chairs, tables and lamps from a furniture store. Police guarded only larger stores, including a downtown Wal-Mart and appliance store.
<clip>
At least one shelter in downtown Cancun had to evacuate 1,000 people overnight because the ceiling threatened to collapse. Office furniture and other debris bobbed in the waters sloshing between buildings where some people watched from upstairs balconies
<clip>
"After one more day of this, I believe people will start getting cranky," said Scott Stout, 26. "Things could get messy." The Stouts, at least, had food and coffee. Devon Anderson, 21, of Sacramento, Calif., was sharing 10 rooms at a rundown Cozumel school with 200 other Americans. "We are all sleeping on the floor," Anderson said. "There's no food, no water."...
more @ link

[rosesaylavee]

1. More info from weather channel - I don't think we are in the clear yet.

http://www.weather.com/newscenter/tropical/?from=wxcenter_news

Hurricane Wilma, drifting northward, remains essentially stalled over the Yucatan Peninsula and continues to pound the area with high winds and torrential rains. Meanwhile, hurricane watches have been posted for the Florida Keys including the Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay. Maximum sustained winds in Wilma have dropped to 110 mph and some additional weakening is expected this afternoon before the storm creeps into the Gulf of Mexico this evening.

When that happens, Wilma may begin restrengthening. In the meantime, tremendous amounts of rain will continue to inundate the Yucatan and western Cuba. Rainfall totals of 10-20 inches are likely through tomorrow with isolated tallies as high as 50 inches possible.

The hurricane is forecast to come under the influence of westerly winds aloft as it edges into the Gulf late today and that should accelerate the storm toward the Florida Peninsula tomorrow. Landfall in the Sunshine State seems likely sometime Monday, probably early Monday. In addition to the watches in effect for the Keys, watches for other parts of central and southern Florida may be posted later today. Rainfall across the southern peninsula is forecast to be generous with 4-8 inches likely through Tuesday. Isolated 12-inch amounts are possible.

Wilma's strength when it reaches Florida remains uncertain, but at this point a Category 1 or 2 seems a good bet. Don't write off the possibility of something stronger, however.

(continues)

[madeline_con]

2. Hubby's observation...

Our local yokel weatherman said "... when Wilma makes landfall..."


Hubby said he thought Cancun WAS landfall, then said, "Oh, he must mean landfall where WHITE people live!" :sarcasm:

[rustydad]

3. Reforming

The eye has moved into the Gulf and appears to be rapidly reforming. Moving directly north and the satellite pics show no sign of the cold front that is supposed to steer this monster to the east. This could be really bad for Florida. Bob

[Psephos]

4. I felt considerably weakened after hitting Cancun, too

That's where I learned that distilled mezcal is actually spelled "To Kill Ya" instead of "Tequila" :-)

Peace.