As 2005 rolls into the middle of October , we are now at the bottom of the list for the Named Hurricanes in 2005. This year, having been the busiest hurricane season since recordings began in 1851, just might be the busiest period – and the hurricane season is not over yet. The name Wilma is the last name on the list of storm names. After Wilma, any tropical storms or hurricanes formed in 2005 will start a new list of names. The new list, based on the Greek Alphabet, beings with Alpha.
On October 18th, 80 mph winded Tropical Storm Wilma strengthened into a Category 5 Hurricane south of Florida. With 175mph windows soaking Central America and Mexico, this hurricane is also now the strongest hurricane yet. The last hurricane to have a reading of 892 millibars of pressure was an unnamed hurricane that hit the Florida keys in 1935. With the four hurricanes in Florida last year, and then Katrina with Rita right behind her this year, it seems the hurricanes are getting stronger and more frequent. As of right now, the possibility of Wilma hitting Florida has a very good chance. Some of the residents of Florida have even started buying water and preparing.
As with any weather phenomenon, hurricanes in the end are unpredictable. Where Wilma will go in the end and what strength she will be has left to be seen. But, as we have learned previously, taking precautions saves lives.
