Wow, what a system... Even though Wilma has now weakened to a Cat-4, 923mb hurricane, this thing just yesterday was a Cat-5, 882mb system. What is even more incredible to those of you who may not realize... Wilma is now the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin, with a central pressure recorded at an incredible 882mb! Hurricane Gilbert (1988) held the spot previously with a central pressure at 888mb.

What's even more amazing is the number of cat-5 hurricanes we've had this year and that three of these systems have been recorded within the top 4 strongest hurricanes ever recorded. Hurricane Katrina had a central pressure of 902mb; which made it the 4th strongest at the time, Rita was measured at 897mb; which made it the 3rd strongest at the time, and now Wilma with the deepest central pressure ever recorded at 882mb... its been an amazing record-setting season.

From a meteorological standpoint, its been a fun season to watch. But, unfortunately also a sad one with so many lives lost, primarily from Katrina. Of course, if the government would have taken seriously what meteorologists have been warning against for years, loss of life would have likely been significantly lower. It makes me proud to be a part of a community that actually knew the dangers and risks and also one that has been lobbying for years to get things done down there in New Orleans. Unfortunately, however, the bigwigs in DC are bigger than us. The good thing now is, they're the ones facing criticism... not our tropical forecasting abilities.

Anyhow, enough of my ranting. I suppose I should get back to work. I have districts to get done. *grin