I think we're due for a break, but with Wilma strengthening the way she did...is...this season may not be over yet.
Even though Wilma's effects are not even catalogued yet, I'd like to say this before anyone escapes the thread. Thumbs up to everyone who contributed to this thread, and helped keep a voracious appetite for storm related information well fed.
You guys rock.
Hopefully Wilma will be the last GOM storm of the season. Unless we can get something to form in the Bay of Campeche and move NE... she probably was.
A lot of talk about the trough not ripping her apart. This area is pretty tricky to forecast, and NHC has acknowledged that fact numerous times in the past. Troughs can also act to help the outflow of a storm. When they first interact, they can actually help the storm grow in the short term. Wilma had that thing going for her that all big cat 5s do, and that was low (lowest ever) pressure. She wasn't over the Yucatan long enough for a death blow, and the trip from there to the FL peninsula is pretty warm most of the way. When she exited FL, her bounce back to 3 was likely aided by the trek over the Gulf Stream. Recent satellite shots show that the trough is indeed ripping her up now, it just came a little late to help S FL.
A strengthening cat 3 being pushed along as fast as she was can do very significant damage, as I'm sure we will see more of in coming days. Prayers to all affected.