| Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
 Hurricane Wilma before landfall in Cancun | |
| Winds |
1-minute sustained: 100 mph (160 km/h) Gusts: 130 mph (210 km/h) |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 4 direct, 4 indirect |
| Damage | $7.5 billion (2005 USD) |
| Areas affected | Mexico |
| Part of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season | |
The effects of Hurricane Wilma in Florida are the ways in which Hurricane Wilma impacted Mexico. Wilma struck Cancun, Mexico as a strong Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale causing widespread damage throughout the states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo, especially in the extreme North-East. Mexican officials ordered the evacuation of persons vacationing in Isla Mujeres, Holbox, the Punta Allen laguna and Cancun. The governor of Quintana Roo issued a red alert in anticipation of Wilma. Wilma's passage caused extensive damage across the North-Eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. After the storm communication was restricted as in hard hit areas telephone and electricity supplies were completely wiped out, however some areas retained these utilities. Looting was reported in parts of Quintana Roo, especially in Cancun. Eight deaths and $7.5 billion USD in damage were attributed to Wilma in Mexico.
Preparations
At 2100z on October 18 the Government of Mexico issued a hurricane watch for the Yucatán Peninsula from Punta Allen to Cabo Catoche. At 0300z on October 19, the watch was extended southward to Punta Gruesa and later that day at 1500z a hurricane warning was issued for San Felipe to Tulum iclusive of Cozumel and surrounding islands due to the impending danger presented by Wilma. A tropical storm warning was also issued from Tulum to Chetumal and the hurricane watch remained in effect from Tulum to Punta Gruesa. At 0300z on October 20 the hurricane warning was extended southward to Punta Allen and a hurricane watch was issued for west of San Felipe to Celestun. Six hours later a tropical storm warning was also issued for the same area. At 1500z the hurricane warning was extended southward to Chetumal.
Officials ordered the evacuation of over 33,000 tourists from the Punta Allen laguna and also the islands of Isla Mujeres and Holbox. [1] Additionally, 70,000 tourists were evacuated from Cancun. [1] The governor of Quintana Roo issued a red alert, classes were suspended and residents were advised to seek shelter inland. [2] The French Ministry of Foreign affairs advised French tourists in Mexico to leave the area and be prudent. They also told citizens that if necessary they were to ride the storm out in one of the public shelters. [3]
Impacts
The passage of Wilma through Mexico caused 4 direct and 4 indirect deaths and left 80 billion MXN ($7.5 billion USD) in damage. The electricity supply in Cozumel and Cancun was disrupted and streets were flooded with sea water. A shelter was flooded, forcing the over 300 refugees to seek cover elsewhere. Signs and roofs were lifted by strong winds and palm trees were uprooted. Wind gusts of up to 150 miles per hour (240 km/h) were reported by news crews, however figures reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) suggested gusts of up to 130 mph (210 km/h). A total of 62.05 inches (1.58 m) of rainfall was reported in the Isla Mujeres.
References
- ^
a
b Miselem, Sofia (October 21, 2005). Namibian [http://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=28&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=20206&no_cache=1 http://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?id=28&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=20206&no_cache=1]. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
{{ cite news}}: Check|url=value ( help); Missing or empty|title=( help) - ^ Holmstrom, Mari. "Hurricane Wilma: A Case Study". University of San Diego. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
- ^ "Preparation for hurricane Wilma (20.10.05)". French Diplomatie. Retrieved 28 January 2011.