Southwest Florida is likely to fall under storm watches Friday with a likely landfall at some point on Sunday. Hurricane Wilma’s larger wind field will increase the risk for tornadoes. And State meteorologist Ben Nelson says Southwest Florida is very prone to storm surge, especially because of Wilma.

“They are one of the most prone coastlines in the country because of their low elevation and the slope of the continental shelf offshore. So they need to prepare for a significant surge as we move on into Sunday especially Sunday night as the forecast stands as it is right now.”

Nelson says Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties may see 12 to 15 foot storm surges, with higher surges up to 17 feet along the Caloosahatchee and Peace Rivers.