Wilma expected to weaken in Mexico before hitting Florida.

Publication: South Florida Sun-Sentinel (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service)

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COPYRIGHT 2005 South Florida Sun-Sentinal

Byline: Ken Kaye and Robert Nolin

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ Hurricane Wilma's threat to Florida has eased ever so slightly because the system is expected to weaken after making landfall Friday on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Under the current forecast, Florida's west coast on Sunday faces anywhere from a strong Category 2 storm with 110 mph winds to a minimal Category 1 with winds of 75 mph. Earlier forecasts called for a dangerous Category 4.

The news could be even better for South Florida, which could see a Category 1 hurricane or possibly even a tropical storm.

"It all depends on how long it just sits there on the Yucatan," said Eric Blake, meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center. "It makes all the difference in the world for South Florida."

Wilma was...

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