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Hurricane Wilma was the epitome of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season in which there were over 20 storms, 13 hurricanes, 6 major hurricanes and 4 category five hurricanes. Damage from hurricane Wilma was estimated in the region of $29.1 billion with the peninsula of Mexico, Cuba and Florida being hit hardest by the storm. As well as the massive damage to property there were over 60 deaths and hurricane Wilma is in the top four bracket of the most destructive hurricanes of all time.
Wilma actually start life as a fairly lightweight storm around 220 miles east south-east of Grand Cayman however during a 30 hour period over the waters of the Caribbean the storm was cranked up by a mixture of differing temperate over the sea. At the height of the hurricane, winds were recorded in the region of 185 mph as hurricane Wilma literally ripped up everything in its path. There were a number of periods whereby the hurricane dropped markedly in strength but strong winds and varying temperatures allowed the hurricane refuelled and head back over the Gulf of Mexico.
Track taken by Hurricane Wilma
Impacts
Loss of Life
Preliminary estimates indicate that at least 19 people were killed as a result of Wilma's rains and wind across the Caribbean and Mexico. In Florida, at least 6 people died as a result of the storm.
Power Outages
Over six million people were without power in Florida, including the entire stretch of the Florida Keys after Wilma made landfall on the 24th. It was estimated the full power restoration would take weeks.
Cost
As of October 25th, there are only very preliminary estimates of cost from Hurricane Wilma. For Florida, it is estimated to be over a billion dollars.
Travel
Cancun airport was closed during and immediately following Wilma's landfall, stranding hundreds of tourists in the popular tourist destination. Route 1 was closed through the Florida Keys due to flooding along the highway. Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West Airports were also closed as the hurricane passed across the Peninsula and throughout the following day. Miami's metro rail system was also closed following the storm.
Rainfall and Flooding
Waves topped the sea wall in Havana, Cuba and much of the downtown and central sections of the capital city were under as much as 6 feet of water.Widespread flooding as a result of storm surge submerged parts of the Florida Keys, with parts of Key West under several feet of water. However, water receded quickly in the island city and significant damage was not extensive.
Infrared image of Wilma at peak
Secondary videos of Hurricane Wilma
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