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 10/23/05 Category 2 Hurricane Wilma moving towards southwest Florida and the Keys…Hurricane Warnings posted from Longboat Key on Florida's west coast to Titusville on the east coast…Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches in effect for the remainder of Florida's east and west coasts...Tornado threat to increase this evening ...
At 11 AM EDT, Hurricane Wilma was located approximately 285 miles to the west-southwest of Key West . Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outwards up to 70 miles from Wilma's eye, with tropical storm force winds outwards to 200 miles.
Hurricane Wilma is currently moving northeastward near 8 mph, with an increase in forward speed expected later today and tonight. Wilma could begin to strengthen slightly this afternoon as it moves over the warm waters of the southeastern Gulf of Mexico . Wind shear in association with a cold front moving into central Florida could weaken Wilma slightly prior to landfall, and the official forecast calls for Wilma to make landfall as a category 2 hurricane on Monday morning in southwest Florida or the Keys.
Rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches, are possible across the Keys and peninsula through Monday. Flood watches have been issued for the Keys and most of the peninsula counties. Tornadoes will also be an increasing threat across the southern half of Florida beginning late this afternoon and continuing through tomorrow afternoon.
Preparations should be completed in warning areas this afternoon. Tropical storm conditions will begin to spread into the Keys this evening and into the peninsula later tonight. Residents and visitors should be prepared to heed the advice of local officials and stay tuned to local media outlets for updated information.
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