Hurricane wilma gradually accelerating toward extreme southwest florida and on track for a morning landfall,
New information. The tornado threat will continue to increase from the tampa bay area southward this evening as increasing low and mid level rotation combines with the approach of feeder bands. A tornado watch is in effect for all of west central Florida from citrus county southward until 1 am. The greatest threat will be after 6 pm in most areas, especially from the tampa bay metro area to lakeland and points south. Any tornadoes will be fast moving, but could contain wind gusts in the f-1 range, 73 to 112 mph.
Areas affected. This statement is for all residents of west central and southwest florida
Watches and warnings. A hurricane warning is in effect for the coastline and tidal shorelines of lee, charlotte, desoto, and sarasota counties.
An inland hurricane warning is in effect for non coastal or non tidal locations of lee, charlotte, desoto, hardee, highlands and sarasota counties.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coastline and tidal shorelines of manatee, pinellas, hillsborough, pasco, hernando citrus and levy counties.
An inland tropical storm warning is in effect for non coastal or non tidal locations of manatee, pinellas, hillsborough, polk, pasco, hernando, citrus, sumter and levy counties.
A flash flood watch remains in effect for charlotte and lee counties through Monday afternoon.
Storm information. At 5 pm edt, the center of hurricane wilma was located near latitude 23.5 north, longitude 84.9 west or about 285 miles southwest of fort myers and 345 miles southwest of tampa. Wilma was moving to the northeast at 11 mph, and a gradual increase in forward speed will begin later this evening.
Wind impacts.
Dangerous winds are expected late tonight and early Monday in lee county and possibly charlotte, desoto, and highlands county
Winds will rapidly increase to tropical storm force in the coastal waters between 9 pm and midnight south of englewood, and between 11 pm and 2 am south of tarpon springs. The latest track will bring tropical storm force gusts onshore in lee and charlotte counties around midnight, with sustained tropical storm force winds and hurricane force gusts in squalls by 3 am. A brief period of sustained hurricane force winds, 75 to 80 mph, is expected between 6 and 9 am. Because wilma is expected to maintain at least high category 2 strength while accelerating inland, gusts to 100 mph are possible in stronger squalls.
Farther north in the hurricane and inland hurricane warning areas, sustained tropical storm force winds with possible hurricane force gusts should arrive by 4 am, with the highest winds, 50 to 65 mph with gusts of 75 to 85 mph, between 7 and 10 am, perhaps up to 11 am in highlands county.
In the tampa bay area and points north through hernando county, tropical storm force sustained winds should arrive around or soon after 5 am, with the highest winds, 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 65 mph, expected between 7 and 11 am.
Impacts for charlotte and lee county include:
Poorly constructed or unsecured mobile homes will be heavily damaged or destroyed. Others will have substantial damage to roofs, walls, and windows, and will likely be uninhabitable until repaired. Houses of poor to average construction will have partial wall and roof failure, as well as blown out windows. Most lanai screens and pool cages will have damage, some will be destroyed. Unsecured light to moderate weight outdoor items will become projectiles, causing additional damage and perhaps injury. Many areas will have power outages, hundreds of wires will fall, transformers will pop, and some power poles will be pulled down.
The sun is out with a few clouds, no rain as yet. DH and I have to go put up shutters at the rental property now. 
Hope all is well with everyone here. 
