The strongest of the record-high 28 named storms of 2005, Hurricane Wilma,went down in history as the most intense hurricane ever measured.Wilma formed on Oct. 15 then underwent a stunning bout of strengthening that,on Oct. 19, reached a lowest-ever minimum surface of 882 millibars, or 26.05inches of mercury.
As a matter of fact, the central pressure shed a full 100 millibars (982 mb to882 mb) within 30 hours. The is said to be a record-high rate ofintensification.
Highest estimated sustained winds at the time of peak intensity were 184 mph,although the highest actually measured were 175 mph.
Following the record low pressure, which happened over the western CaribbeanSea, Wilma went on to batter northeastern Yucatan, Mexico, then veerednortheast to devastate South Florida.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews
