Florida braces for Wilma's fury

2005-10-24 07:50

In this National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration colour-enhanced satellite image, the center of Hurricane Wilma is shown strengthening toward the west coast of Florida. (Andy Newman, AP)

Naples, Florida - Hurricane Wilma strengthened late on Sunday and was upgraded to a category three storm heading toward the southwestern coast of Florida, the US National Hurricane Center said.

"It now has sustained winds of 185km per hour and qualifies for category three," center forecaster Jamie Rhome told AFP.

The center said it did not expect further significant changes in the strength of Wilma until it makes landfall in Florida early on Monday.

At 03:00 GMT, the eye of the storm was located 275km southwest of Naples and barreling toward the US coast at 30km per hour.

A storm surge up to 2.5m above normal was forecast for the Florida Keys and Florida Bay.

"This is a very dangerous hurricane," Max Mayfield told CNN television, urging those who have not yet evacuated the coastal area to do so and find a reliable shelter.

- AFP