Hurricane Wilma

October 21, 2005 9:07 PM

First hand report and photos as Hurricane Wilma smacks the holy bejesus out of the Cancun/Cozumel area.

"The Mexican government did a great job in evacuating thousands of tourists in a small span of 10 to 12 hours. For tourists the evacuations were mandatory. Though the shelters may be uncomfortable, they are safe. I wouldn't worry to much if you have friends or relatives here, they may not be able to communicate for the next few days, but they are safe. The winds are now EXTREMELY powerful, the noise is loud, the building is shaking, and the storm seems to be very angry. This building is built to code, and is probably one of the safest in the hotel zone, so we are not to worried, but small family homes must be in shambles. I will try and keep these updates coming as long as I can."

posted by jcterminal (15 comments total)

Why is the storm so angry? What did we ever do to it?
posted by TwelveTwo at 9:11 PM on October 21, 2005

If I weren't a cynical agnostic cunt, I would pray for those unfortunate families who are trying to survive this storm.

On second thought, I think I will say a prayer for them.
posted by soiled cowboy at 9:23 PM on October 21, 2005

Incredible that his connection stayed up for so long. Great link, thanks.
posted by longdaysjourney at 9:56 PM on October 21, 2005

Katrina feels like it happened yesterday to me... I hate seeing this. I really fucking hate it.

Best wishes and luck, neighbors.
posted by grimcity at 10:14 PM on October 21, 2005

Well this is just great. Apparently even the Mexican government is more competent than the Bush administration.
posted by Davenhill at 1:14 AM on October 22, 2005

I wonder who Mexicans believe are inherently more incompetent than they are.

If they're anything like the rest of the world: Americans.
posted by spazzm at 4:20 AM on October 22, 2005

For anyone interested in Caribbean hurricane lead up or aftermath this is a great site. Check out the island state of Grenada after Ivan 2004
posted by adamvasco at 5:33 AM on October 22, 2005

I see no photos and a whole lot of Re/Max cards from Kevin Alexander Murcko trying to sell Cancun Paradise Properties.

Worst. Timing. Evar.
posted by RockCorpse at 6:33 AM on October 22, 2005

RockCorpse - try scrolling down the page.
posted by adamvasco at 7:13 AM on October 22, 2005

So sad. One of my favorite places is Tulum, which is about 1.5 hours south of Cancun. Not nearly as built up, and it's probably devastated now :(.
posted by mkultra at 7:50 AM on October 22, 2005

Yes, and Playa del Carmen, where I spent some time a year and a half ago (between Cancun and Tulum) was hit hard just a month ago, and is being pummelled again. Jeez.
posted by kozad at 8:00 AM on October 22, 2005

From an AP story:
"This is the equivalent of having four or five hurricanes of this size pass over one after the other, given the amount of time we have been suffering hurricane-force winds," said Quintana Roo Gov. Felix Gonzalez Cantu, whose state includes Cancun.
posted by soiled cowboy at 8:05 AM on October 22, 2005

Now I'll forever associate REMAX with hurricane disasters.

Not a big problem, just saying.
posted by troutfishing at 10:01 AM on October 22, 2005

Something to remember -- we've had four Category 5 storms this year: Emily, Katrina, Rita, and now Wilma. (Why, yes, this is a record.)

The first three, however, dramatically weakened before they actually struck land. Wilma hit Cozumel as a strong Category 4 storm -- and took 19 hours to clear the island. Cozumel may still be getting hurricane force winds.

Now, Wilma's projected to hit Florida by Monday -- and possibly turn into a Nor'easter come Wednesday.

Never mind Alpha (why, yes, that's a record too....) Alpha won't hit the US or Mexico, but Haiti and The Dominican Republic may be in for a bad day. I'd say "It's late, it's weak, the shear's bad, the water is cooling" -- but everyone said that about TD 24 -- until it took 12 hours to go from TD 24 to Category 5 Hurricane Wilma (why, yes, that's yet another record.)
posted by eriko at 7:55 PM on October 22, 2005

Now I'll forever associate REMAX with hurricane disasters.

Makes for a good visual, what with their hot air balloon logo...
posted by davejay at 12:37 PM on October 23, 2005