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Intense hurricane Wilma struck the United States as a hurricane at about 15:30 GMT on 24 October. Data supplied by the US National Hurricane Center suggest that the point of landfall was near 26.9 N, 80.0 W. Wilma brought 1-minute maximum sustained winds to the region of around 166 km/hr (103 mph). Wind gusts in the area may have been considerably higher.
According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale the potential property damage and flooding from a storm of Wilma's strength (category 2) at landfall includes:
- Storm surge generally 1.8-2.4 metres (6-8 feet) above normal.
- Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings.
- Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down.
- Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers.
- Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the storm center.
- Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
The information above is provided for guidance only and should not be used to make life or death decisions or decisions relating to property. Anyone in the region who is concerned for their personal safety or property should contact their official national weather agency or warning centre for advice.
This alert is provided by Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) sponsored by Benfield, Royal & SunAlliance, Crawford & Company and UCL (University College London). TSR acknowledge the support of the UK Met Office.
