The paper says Cat 5 Wilma's now the worst storm in the history of mankind. Looks like we're not even going to get the chance to be wiped out by the bird flu.
Here's the headline before the modification:
Wilma winds intensify to 175 mph as it becomes possibly worst storm ever
UPDATE
No, no, these computer model trajectories will have to be revised. Lee and Broward Counties are not to be included in Wilma's itinerary. These have her either going in at Lee (wrong) and coming out north of Lake Okeechobee (fine), or coming in south of Lee (fine) and exiting through Broward (wrong.) I'll shall write to the National Hurricane Center about this.
For those of you with a sudden hankering for a family vacation, petswelcome.com will give you a list of all pet-friendly lodging for your particular vacation destination.
UPDATE II
The Yucatan works for me.
UPDATE III
On the ball in Lee:
[Lee School] Superintendent James Browder said no government agencies have thus far requested school buses for evacuations, but they're gassed up and ready to roll.
Ugh. Just ugh. (It is expected to drop in strength - but still... ugh.)
Posted by: Kathy K at October 19, 2005 07:38 AMSeriously though, what's a minor 175 mph sustained winds between friends?
Posted by: Val Prieto at October 19, 2005 07:56 AMI think I'll go shopping-- and ponder the question: "Should I stay or should I go now"??
Posted by: Cindy at October 19, 2005 08:29 AMI have Wilma's itinerary all planned: land somewhere other than Lee County, then as she comes across the peninsula, skip Broward County.
A travel agency couldn't do it better.
Cindy- tough call. If you go there will be trouble.
Posted by: Donnah at October 19, 2005 08:46 AMYikes.
Donnah, hadn't you better be planning to move out yourself? You aren't going to be able to go to a shelter with the dogs. It's too big not to cause some sort of huge evacuation. In MS Katrina was ripping roofs off houses 100 miles inland.
Time to get out before everyone else tries to.
Posted by: MaxedOutMama at October 19, 2005 09:47 AMLMAO about the bird flu! Just goes to show there's an upside to everything.
Cindy--Donnah's right. But if you stay it may be double.
And I have not yet begun to shop...
Posted by: Amy at October 19, 2005 10:09 AMAaaarrrrgghhhh.... That skipping Broward plan is a good 'un, but she's so BIG I don't know how much of a help that would be...
See, THIS is why I need a car...!! Does anyone know how long it takes to drive out of Florida?? Anyone? No, I'm really not freaking out... yet. ;)
Posted by: pam at October 19, 2005 10:53 AMIt takes 8 or 9 hours to drive out of Florida, Pam.
Mr. Cracker might put the hurricane shutters up this time.
Batten down the hatches good luck to you .We are in Tampa and getting ready.
I am staying as we live in a stone house. Good luck toyou guys.
Cheers from Hurricane Alley
Oh Donnah! Sorry you might get it yet again. That track's got quite a "hook" to it; wonder why?
We've had a major high pressure ridge up here, but still there's an awful lot of English on that storm.... That's some Coriolis effect! Or is it?
Posted by: Carl in Atlanta at October 19, 2005 03:29 PMI thought Coriolus effect is the deal with water in Australia swirling the wrong way down drains.
It looks like someone lined this one like a pool shot: carom off Mexico and go into Florida's side pocket. I don't know - it could be the Australians messing with us.
Posted by: Donnah at October 19, 2005 06:00 PMNunca me molesta!
I'm thinking a bounce off of the Yucatan, a scootch into Naples and out Fort Lordylordylordydale and then it comes up the east coast and ruins my Monday as well.
Yee-haw.
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at October 19, 2005 07:00 PMPam - don't even bother. If you thought the traffic jams getting out of Houston area were bad, just imagine trying to evacuate a whole STATE north - with only two major highways heading that way.
Ugh. And and 'ack' as well.
We perfected weather control in 1976- that's why we've never had a major cyclone since Tracey hit Darwin. We direct them all to the northern hemisphere. Good luck- this one looks nasty.
BTW- the corialis also makes cyclones rotate the opposite direction to hurricanes and typhoons.
It's like everything's topsy-turvey down here.
I wish Rove would reassert control over these things.
Posted by: Mr. Bingley at October 20, 2005 09:24 AMWhy do you hate Mexicans, Donnah?
Posted by: Bill from INDC at October 20, 2005 02:41 PMIf Wilma wants a sojourn in Cozumel, that's her look-out. Don't try to hang on to Wilma, Bill. She's a free spirit and will only break your heart.
Posted by: Donnah at October 20, 2005 03:36 PMLooking for information on Anna Maria Island and my sister--haven't been able to contact by phone since hurricane wilma
Posted by: a at October 27, 2005 12:12 AM