High Wind in Okeechobee, Florida

The northern eyewall of hurricane Wilma moved over the town of Okeechobee as Wilma moved northeast across the Florida peninsula. Okeechobee Emergency Management reported winds near 80 mph (69 knots) but the instrument failed before the peak winds occurred. Most damage was in the south part of the county and around Lake Okeechobee. Fifty covered boat slips were destroyed and 12 boats were damaged or sunk. About 800 residences were damaged. Of these, 29 were destroyed and 114 received major damage. The Okeechobee City water plant was shut down due to poor water quality in the lake. Two airplanes were overturned. Three hangers were destroyed and 2 sustained major damage at Okeechobee Airport.