1988 Atlantic hurricane season

none March 2012 Atl 1988 1988 Atlantic hurricane season summary map.png May 31, 1988 November 24, 1988 Gilbert (Second-most intense Atlantic hurricane; most intense at the time) 888 160 1 19 12 5 3 601–719 total 4990 1988 Pacific hurricane season 1988 Pacific typhoon season 1988 North Indian Ocean cyclone season 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 Timeline of the 1988 Atlantic hurricane season The 1988 Atlantic hurricane season was a near average season that proved costly and deadly, with 15 tropical cyclones directly affecting land. The season officially began on June 1, 1988, and lasted until November 30, 1988, although activity began on May 30 when a tropical depression developed in the Caribbean. The June through November dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The first cyclone to attain tropical storm status was Alberto on August 8, nearly a month later than usual.National Hurricane Center 2007 Tropical Cyclone Climatology November 24, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20071213074803/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml December 13, 2007 live The final storm of the year, Tropical Storm Keith, became extratropical on November 24. The season produced 19 tropical depressions of which 12 attained tropical storm status. One tropical storm was operationally classified as a tropical depression but was reclassified in post-analysis. Five tropical cyclones reached hurricane status of which three became major hurricanes reaching Category 3 on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Until the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, it was the latest season to have multiple Atlantic-Pacific crossover storms. There were two notable cyclones of the season, the first one being Hurricane Gilbert, which at the time was the strongest Atlantic hurricane on record. The hurricane tracked through the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico and caused devastation in Mexico and many island nations, particularly Jamaica. Its passage caused $2.98 billion in damage (1988 USD)All damage figures are in 1988 United States dollars, unless otherwise noted "nb" and more than 300 deaths, mostly in Mexico. The second one was Hurricane Joan, which struck Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane and caused about US$1.87 billion in damage and more than 200 deaths. The hurricane crossed into the eastern Pacific Ocean and was reclassified as Tropical Storm Miriam. Hurricane Debby also successfully crossed over, becoming Tropical Depression Seventeen-E, making the 1988 season the first on record in which more than one tropical cyclone has crossed between the Atlantic and Pacific basins intact.As Julia fades, floods plague Central America Bob Henson October 10, 2022 https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2022/10/as-julia-fades-floods-plague-central-america/ Yale Climate Connections New Haven, Connecticut October 10, 2022 Seasonal forecasts +Predictions of tropical activity in the 1988 seasonSourceDateNamedstormsHurricanesMajorhurricanesWRCEarly 198885UnknownCSUJune117UnknownCSUAugust117UnknownRecord high activityNorth Atlantic Ocean Historical Tropical Cyclone Statistics http://tropical.atmos.colostate.edu/Realtime/index.php?arch&loc=northatlantic Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado July 18, 202330157 (Tie)Record low activity10 (tie)0Actual activity 12 5 3 Forecasts of hurricane activity are issued before each hurricane season by noted hurricane experts such as Dr. William M. Gray and his associates at Colorado State University. A normal season as defined by NOAA has six to fourteen named storms of which four to eight reach hurricane strength and one to three become major hurricanes. The June 1988 forecast was that eleven storms would form and that seven would reach hurricane status. The forecast did not specify how many hurricanes would reach major hurricane status.Colorado State University 2006 Tropical Meteorology Project Forecast Verifications Errors January 6, 2008 http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/Includes/Documents/Publications/forecast_verifications.xls dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131214201025/http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/Includes/Documents/Publications/forecast_verifications.xls December 14, 2013 Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity for 1988 June 1988 William M. Gray Colorado State University https://tropical.colostate.edu/Forecast/Archived_Forecasts/1980s/1988-06.pdf November 11, 2025 In August, CSU opted to not alter their forecast, continuing to call for eleven named storms and seven hurricanes.Forecast of Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity for 1988 August 1988 William M. Gray Colorado State University https://tropical.colostate.edu/Forecast/Archived_Forecasts/1980s/1988-08.pdf November 11, 2025 Additionally, the Weather Research Center (WRC) issued a prediction in early 1988, forecasting eight named storms and five hurricanes.http://www.wxresearch.com/outlook/2008wrcvsco.pdf Comparison of Weather Research Center's OCSI Atlantic Annual Seasonal Hurricane Forecasts with Colorado State Professor Bill Gray's Seasonal Forecast Jill F. Hasling May 1, 2008 Weather Research Center October 15, 2025 July 18, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718124747/http://www.wxresearch.com/outlook/2008wrcvsco.pdf dead Seasonal summary The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, but activity in 1988 began two days earlier with the formation of Tropical Depression One on May 30. It was an above average season in which 19 tropical depressions formed. Twelve depressions attained tropical storm status, and five of these attained hurricane status, of which three reached major hurricane status. Four hurricanes and three tropical storms made landfall during the season and caused 550 deaths and $4.86 billion in damage. The last storm of the season, Tropical Storm Keith, dissipated on November 24, only 6 days before the official end of the season on November 30. The activity in the first two months of the season was limited because of strong wind shear from an upper tropospheric flow. Although vigorous tropical waves moved off the coast of Africa, most of them quickly diminished in intensity as they crossed the tropical Atlantic Ocean. As a result, no tropical depressions formed in June or July. Decreased wind shear in August allowed tropical waves to develop into tropical cyclones. The official storm track forecast errors were 30 to 40 percent lower than the average for the previous 10 years. The 24-, 48-, and 72-hour forecasts were the most accurate in more than 18 years and were also more accurate than in each subsequent season until 1996.National Hurricane Center 2007 Average NHC Atlantic Track Forecast Errors January 6, 2008 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/verification/pdfs/1970-present_OFCL_ATL_annual_trk_errors_noTDs.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20131022121411/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/verification/pdfs/1970-present_OFCL_ATL_annual_trk_errors_noTDs.pdf October 22, 2013 live The season's activity was reflected with an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 103, which is classified as "near normal".Hurricane Research Division Atlantic basin: Comparison of Original and Revised HURDAT National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 2014 June 5, 2014 http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/comparison_table.html https://web.archive.org/web/20140329014406/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/comparison_table.html March 29, 2014 liveClimate Prediction Center http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/background_information.shtml Background information: the North Atlantic Hurricane Season June 5, 2014 May 22, 2014 United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration https://web.archive.org/web/20110510081844/http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/background_information.shtml May 10, 2011 live ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. It is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34 kn mph km/h, which is tropical storm strength. Systems Tropical Depression One Atl 01L 1988-05-30 1830Z.png 01L 1988 track.png May 31 June 2 25 1002 By late on May 29, scattered showers and thunderstorms existed over the northwestern Caribbean Sea.https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=TWDAT&e=198805292358 Tropical Weather Discussion 1988-05-29 Torres National Hurricane Center 2024-08-01 A weak surface low-pressure area formed on the following day, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) noting some very deep and concentrated convection.https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=TWDAT&e=198805301801 Tropical Weather Discussion 1988-05-30 Kenneth Haydu National Hurricane Center 2024-08-01 Around 18:00 UTC on May 30, Tropical Depression One developed in the western Caribbean Sea,David M. Roth 2011 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/research/roth/ebtrk_nhc_final.txt Extended Best Track Database for CLIQR program Hydrometeorological Prediction Center 2011-02-20 a day before the start of the Atlantic hurricane season.Staff Writer 1988-06-01 The Deseret News Storm signals the arrival of hurricane season 2011-03-10 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6T5TAAAAIBAJ&sjid=VIQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6999,19361&dq=hurricane&hl=en The depression moved northeastward along the axis of a northeast-southwest oriented trough,https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=TCDAT1&e=198806012129 Tropical Depression Discussion Tropical Depression One B. Max Mayfield 1988-06-01 National Hurricane Center 2024-08-02 passing just northwest of Isla de la Juventud before striking the Cuban mainland south of Havana. As it crossed the country, its strongest rainfall was east of the center, and the depression failed to intensify beyond winds of 30 mph (45 km/h). After a hurricane hunters flight could not detect a circulation,Forecasters Watching Depression Domestic News Associated Press June 1, 1988 the depression degenerated into an open trough east of Florida on June 2.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td1of1988.html Rainfall Summary for Tropical Depression One March 3, 2007 David Roth 2006 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center https://web.archive.org/web/20130921083523/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td1of1988.html September 21, 2013 live The final discussion by the NHC noted the presence of several weak eddies, but that none were close enough to the remaining deep convection to justify the system continuing to be classified as a tropical cyclone.https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=TCDAT1&e=198806021528 Tropical Depression Discussion Tropical Depression One B. Max Mayfield 1988-06-02 National Hurricane Center 2024-08-02 While crossing Cuba, the depression dropped heavy rainfall that led to 37 deaths. Rainfall peaked at 40.35 in mm on in Cienfuegos Province, of which 34.13 in mm on fell in one day.Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos 2003 Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas es February 10, 2007 http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20070312215337/http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm March 12, 2007 deadhttp://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm Características generales de los factores del régimen hidrológico de Cuba March 3, 2007 2003 Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos es https://web.archive.org/web/20070312215337/http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm March 12, 2007 dead The heavy rainfall caused flooding in Camagüey that damaged about 5,700 houses and destroyed 200.United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) ReliefWeb 1988-06-10 Cuba - Heavy Rains Jun 1988 UNDRO Information Report No. 1 2011-03-10 http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/OCHA-64CARH?OpenDocument&rc=2&emid=ACOS-635NTGCuba – Flood The Russian Information Agency June 8, 1988 The flooding also damaged 15 schools and hospitals, as well as several crop buildings.http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/OCHA-64CARH?OpenDocument Cuba – Heavy Rains Jun 1988 UNDRO Information Report No. 1 March 3, 2007 June 10, 1988 United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs https://web.archive.org/web/20070927185605/http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/OCHA-64CARH?OpenDocument September 27, 2007 live The floods left widespread areas without electricity or communications. The floods destroyed six bridges, damaged 55 rail lines, and left 131 roads unpassable, which severely disrupted the country's transportation infrastructure. Flooding prompted officials to use rescue crews, helicopters, and amphibious vehicles to evacuate 65,000 residents in low-lying areas to higher grounds. A tornado in the city of Camagüey destroyed five Soviet planes and multiple buildings.Tropical storm leaves 14 dead https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cElOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KBQEAAAAIBAJ&dq=tropical%20cuba&pg=2928%2C1017398 Star-News June 2, 1988 6A May 12, 2021 The depression also killed thousands of livestock. The Red Cross sent medical units, tents, and blankets by plane.Relief Aid to Cuba The Russian Information Agency 1988-06-08 Overall about 90,000 people were affected. Tropical Storm Alberto Atl Alberto 1988-08-07 1430Z.png Alberto 1988 track.png August 5 August 8 35 1002 The season's first named storm originated on August 4 within a weak trough of low pressure that formed off the coast of South Carolina. The next day a low level circulation was detected by satellite, indicating that a tropical depression was forming. By August 6 the storm was designated the second tropical depression of the season. An approaching weak frontal trough pushed the depression northeastward and enhanced its upper-level outflow. On August 7 the system was designated Tropical Storm Alberto at 41.5°N, while located just south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, becoming the northernmost system to intensify into a tropical storm on record.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/alberto/prelim01.gif Tropical Storm Alberto Preliminary Report August 31, 1988 Gilbert C. Clark 1 October 11, 2007 GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210736/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/alberto/prelim01.gif October 26, 2007 liveAlthough Alberto intensified from a tropical depression to a tropical storm at a higher latitude than any other Atlantic system, it is not the northernmost formation of a tropical cyclone in the Atlantic. That record is held by an unnamed tropical storm in 1952 that formed at 42.0°N, and was not operationally recognized. "nb" The storm accelerated northeastward at 29 mph km/h on and struck western Nova Scotia that evening with little impact. On August 8 Alberto became extratropical over the cold waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Shortly thereafter it dissipated just north of Newfoundland. The storm produced peak wind gusts of 48 mph km/h on at Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Rainfall reached 1.78 in mm in Saint John, New Brunswick,http://ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=En&n=71F87DE9-1 Canadian Tropical Cyclone Season Summary for 1988 October 23, 2015 January 15, 2014 Environment Canada https://web.archive.org/web/20150916003754/http://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=En&n=71F87DE9-1 September 16, 2015 live most of which fell in a short amount of time. The rainfall caused localized flooding, which briefly closed some streets.The Toronto Star The Canadian Press 1988-08-08 A11 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star/184898410/ Tropical storm Alberto fizzles out before hitting N.S. November 13, 2025 Newspapers.com The extratropical remnants of Alberto also produced light rain and some clouds along western Newfoundland. Tropical Storm Beryl Atl Beryl 1988-08-09 1630Z.png Beryl 1988 track.png August 8 August 10 45 1001 Tropical Storm Beryl (1988) The third tropical depression of the season formed on August 7 from a surface low over southeastern Louisiana. The slow moving system organized as it drifted toward the mouth of the Mississippi River. It soon had enough convective organization for the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue an initial advisory on Tropical Depression Three.Robert A. Case http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim01.gif Tropical Storm Beryl Preliminary Report October 13, 1988 1 October 12, 2007 GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210728/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim01.gif October 26, 2007 live By August 8 surface winds increased enough to issue tropical storm warnings for Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Over the open Gulf, Beryl produced sustained winds of minimal tropical storm force and tropical storm force gusts over coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.Robert A. Case http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim02.gif Tropical Storm Beryl Preliminary Report October 13, 1988 2 October 12, 2007 GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210800/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim02.gif October 26, 2007 live Excessive rain fell along the central Gulf Coast, including local amounts of 16 in mm on at Dauphin Island, Alabama.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/beryl1988.html Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Beryl October 12, 2007 David Roth 2006 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center https://web.archive.org/web/20130922031502/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/beryl1988.html September 22, 2013 live Maintaining a well-structured outflow, Beryl's circulation on August 9 moved over warm water, where conditions were favorable for further intensification. However, a front approached from the northwest and reversed the storm's course into southeastern Louisiana. The next morning Beryl had weakened to a tropical depression as it moved over the Bayou Teche. Heavy downpours from system's remnants brought more than 12 in mm on of rain to parts of eastern Texas. Overall damage from the storm was light, and only one known death was attributed to the storm.Robert A. Case October 13, 1988 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim03.gif Tropical Storm Beryl Preliminary Report 3 October 12, 2007 GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210723/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim03.gif October 26, 2007 live Tropical Depression Four Atl 04L 1988-08-13 1630Z.png 04L 1988 track.png August 13 August 14 30 1012 On August 12 a westward-moving tropical wave developed into Tropical Depression Four near the southern Bahamas. The depression tracked north-northwest along Florida's coast and made landfall near Jacksonville, Florida, the next day.August 13, 1988, Saturday, BC cycle United Press International August 13, 1988 The system spawned gusty winds and thunderstorms along the coasts of Florida and Georgia but caused little damage. The storm moved over south Georgia and the central Gulf Coast while dropping up to 7 in mm on of rain on the Southeast.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td4of1988.html Rainfall Summary for Tropical Depression Four October 18, 2007 David Roth 2006 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center https://web.archive.org/web/20131206183150/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td4of1988.html December 6, 2013 live According to the National Weather Service, winds in some squalls to the north and east of the center reached up to 50 mi/h km/h on.Depression drifts toward Atlantic coast https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77550308/the-orlando-sentinel/ Orlando Sentinel A–3 May 12, 2021 Associated Press August 13, 1988 Newspapers.com The system finally dissipated as it reemerged over water near the mouth of the Mississippi. Early predictions from hurricane forecasters said that the depression would strengthen into the season's third tropical storm.Frank T. Csongos August 14, 1988, Sunday, AM cycle United Press International August 14, 1988 Because of unfavorable upper-level conditions and interaction with Bahama islands, the system lost its well defined center as it moved towards Florida's east coast. Tropical Depression Five Atl 05L 1988-08-21 1430Z.png 05L 1988 track.png August 20 August 31 30 1006 A tropical wave in the far eastern Atlantic developed into the fifth tropical depression on August 20. The storm drifted north-northwest of the Cape Verde islands for the next three days with little change in strength. Forecasters were concerned because the depression formed in the breeding ground where other powerful East Coast hurricanes have started. Though the storm was still very weak, they initially predicted it would strengthen.Two tropical depressions form United Press International August 20, 1988 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/08/20/Two-tropical-depressions-form/2950588052800/ February 19, 2021 By August 24 the depression's forward speed had increased to 15 mi/h km/h on as its movement turned west. Cool ocean temperatures weakened the system and diminished its prospects for restrengthening,Third Depression Forms In Tropical Atlantic Associated Press August 23, 1988 3A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71474047/south-florida-sun-sentinel/ September 12, 2023 Sun-Sentinel Newspapers.com and on August 26, Tropical Depression Five degenerated into a tropical wave. The remnants redeveloped on August 30 about 180 mi km southeast of North Carolina, and the Washington office of the National Weather Service continued to track the system as a gale center until it merged with a front off the East Coast on September 1. Tropical Depression Six Atl 06L 1988-08-21 1400Z.png 06L 1988 track.png August 20 August 24 30 1006 Tropical Depression Six developed from a tropical wave that moved off the northwest African coast on August 12. The system crossed the tropical Atlantic as a wave until it began organizing near 55° W on August 19.James M. Gross November 7, 1988 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1988-prelim/kristy/prelim01.gif Hurricane Kristy Preliminary Report 1 November 26, 2007 GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20121020105013/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1988-prelim/kristy/prelim01.gif October 20, 2012 live The next day this system was designated a tropical depression while it approached the Windward Islands. After crossing the islands, the depression continued westward into the central Caribbean and encountered less-favorable conditions.August 21, 1988, Sunday, BC cycle Domestic News United Press International August 21, 1988 Though poorly organized on August 21, the depression was expected to strengthen into a tropical storm over the western Caribbean's warmer waters. Nevertheless, it was downgraded to a tropical wave at 80° W near the island of Jamaica on August 23.August 23, 1988, Tuesday, AM cycle Domestic News United Press International August 23, 1988 The disturbance moved over Central America with minimal convection but redeveloped into Hurricane Kristy once it reached the eastern Pacific. The system's main effect on land was squally weather on the Windward Islands. Tropical Storm Chris Atl Chris 1988-08-28 1331Z.png Chris 1988 track.png August 21 August 29 45 1005 Tropical Storm Chris (1988) Chris formed from a strong tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa on August 15. By August 21 convection in the northern part of the wave detached and organized into Tropical Depression Seven. The storm tracked westward along the southern periphery of a subtropical high pressure ridge over the mid-Atlantic. For the next seven days, surface and reconnaissance observations found little evidence that the storm was strengthening. As a result, it remained a tropical depression as it moved across portions of the Lesser and Greater Antilles as well as the Bahamas. The depression passed south of Puerto Rico on August 24 and dumped more than 14 in mm on of rain on parts of the island.David Roth 2006 Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Chris Hydrometeorological Prediction Center October 13, 2007 http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/chris1988.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130922030143/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/chris1988.html September 22, 2013 live Three deaths in Puerto Rico were attributed to the weather.National Hurricane Center Miles B. Lawrence October 12, 1988 Tropical Storm Chris Preliminary Report 2 October 13, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/chris/prelim02.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210720/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/chris/prelim02.gif October 26, 2007 live On August 28 the storm was upgraded to Tropical Storm Chris as it traveled northward just offshore of Florida. It made landfall near Savannah, Georgia, bringing light rain and wind damage to the area. Weakening to a depression, Chris poured heavy rains on South Carolina, where it merged with a cold front and became extratropical. The low accelerated over the Eastern Seaboard through Nova Scotia and finally dissipated on August 30. Heavy thunderstorms spawned a tornado in South Carolina that resulted in another death.National Hurricane Center Miles B. Lawrence October 12, 1988 Tropical Storm Chris Preliminary Report 1 October 13, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/chris/prelim01.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210750/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/chris/prelim01.gif October 26, 2007 live Hurricane Debby Atl Debby 1988-09-02 1846Z.png Debby 1988 track.png August 31 September 5 (Exited basin) 65 987 Hurricane Debby (1988) Debby formed from the southern part of a tropical wave that became Tropical Storm Chris. In the mid-tropical Atlantic, the northern area of convection detached and became Tropical Depression Seven. The southern portion continued moving westward as a disorganized area of showers. The system did not develop until the low-level center emerged from the Yucatán into the Bay of Campeche on August 31. It is estimated that the storm became Tropical Depression Eight just offshore at around 12 p.m. local time.National Hurricane Center November 27, 1988 Harold P. Gerrish Hurricane Debby Preliminary Report 1 October 13, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/debby/prelim01.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210739/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/debby/prelim01.gif October 26, 2007 live Drifting west-northwest over the Gulf of Mexico, the depression organized and reached tropical storm-strength early on September 2. Later that day, based on observations from aircraft reconnaissance, Debby was upgraded to a hurricane. At peak intensity, the hurricane's center was just 30 mi km on from the coast. With little change in intensity, Debby made landfall near Tuxpan, Veracruz, six hours later. The storm brought high winds, inland flooding, and mudslides and caused 10 deaths.National Hurricane Center November 27, 1988 Harold P. Gerrish Hurricane Debby Preliminary Report 2 October 13, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/debby/prelim02.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210731/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/debby/prelim02.gif October 26, 2007 live Debby weakened considerably over the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, although the remnants continued moving across Mexico. The tight center tracked towards the Pacific coast and reemerged near Manzanillo on September 5. Upon entering the Eastern Pacific, the system became Tropical Depression Seventeen-E before dissipating in the Gulf of California on September 8.Harold P. Gerrish September 6, 1988 Tropical Depression Seventeen-E Discussion One National Hurricane Center August 19, 2025 Miami, Florida http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1988/td17e/tropdisc/tcd0621z.gif Tropical Storm Ernesto Atl Ernesto 1988-09-04 1600Z.png Ernesto 1988 track.png September 3 September 5 55 994 On September 2 a cluster of thunderstorms associated with a northwestward-moving tropical wave developed a surface low near Bermuda. Though the surface low remained poorly defined and separate from the convection, the system became a tropical depression on September 3.B. Max Mayfield National Hurricane Center October 29, 1988 Tropical Storm Ernesto Preliminary Report 1 October 14, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/ernesto/prelim01.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210755/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/ernesto/prelim01.gif October 26, 2007 live Under the influence of southwesterlies, the depression accelerated northeastward at 50 mi/h km/h on. Late on September 3 it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm continued to strengthen as it lost tropical characteristics.B. Max Mayfield National Hurricane Center October 29, 1988 Tropical Storm Ernesto Preliminary Report 3 October 14, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/ernesto/prelim03.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210758/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/ernesto/prelim03.gif October 26, 2007 live A large extratropical storm over the North Atlantic absorbed Ernesto on September 5. The only land area affected by the storm was in the Azores, where it brought near storm-force winds to Flores Island. Tropical Depression Ten Atl 10L 1988-09-03 1630Z.png 10L 1988 track.png September 4 September 4 30 1004 A broad low-pressure area formed in the western Gulf of Mexico on September 2 and quickly developed through the next day. By September 3 convection was organized enough to declare the system a tropical depression about 160 mi km on west-southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana.Sandra Walewski Tropical Depression Forms In Gulf; Tropical Storm Develops In Atlantic Domestic News Associated Press September 3, 1988 Forecasters issued tropical storm warnings for the coast from Cameron, Louisiana, to Apalachicola, Florida, while the storm moved rapidly northeastward at 15 to 20 mi/h km/h on. However, the depression degenerated a few hours later when it merged with the cold front that had caused its acceleration. Oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico reported winds gusts to 40 mi/h km/h on, and moderate to heavy rains drenched large portions of southeast Texas and Louisiana. The wave dampened over the next 24 hours and brought heavy rain to the rest of the southeast, including a maximum of 8.4 in mm on in Biloxi, Mississippi.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td10of1988.html Rainfall Summary for Tropical Depression Ten November 30, 2007 David Roth 2006 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center https://web.archive.org/web/20131113232018/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td10of1988.html November 13, 2013 live Unnamed tropical storm Atl Unnamed TS 1988-09-08 1301Z.png 1988 Atlantic tropical storm 6 track.png September 7 September 10 50 994 A well-organized disturbance moved off the African coast on September 6 and rapidly developed into Tropical Depression Eleven. The NHC began issuing advisories on September 8 while it was 350 mi km on northeast of Cape Verde. An after-the-fact review of satellite and ship reports indicated that the depression reached tropical storm-strength on September 7.Lixion A. Avila National Hurricane Center 1988 Unnamed Tropical Storm Preliminary Report 1 October 14, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/unnamed/prelim01.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210722/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/unnamed/prelim01.gif October 26, 2007 liveLixion A. Avila National Hurricane Center 1988 Unnamed Tropical Storm Preliminary Report 4 October 14, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/unnamed/prelim04.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210803/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/unnamed/prelim04.gif October 26, 2007 live For three days, a large trough of low pressure northwest of the system steered it north-northwest towards cooler waters. Moderate to heavy rain was reported along the west coast of Africa, but no damage was reported. The system eventually weakened and merged with the low pressure trough. This unnamed storm was later added to the list of tropical storms in the annual summary for the Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Florence Atl Florence 1988-09-09 2130Z.png Florence 1988 track.png September 7 September 11 70 982 Hurricane Florence (1988) A cloud band accompanying a cold front exited the coast of Texas into the Gulf of Mexico on September 4. The band split into two over the central Gulf when the southern portion stalled and the northern portion developed into a frontal wave that tracked northeastward. Convection over the southern portion increased and wrapped around the center of the cloud band. On September 7 the system formed a surface circulation, and tropical depression advisories began that day.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim01.gif Hurricane Florence Preliminary Report 1 October 28, 2007 November 8, 1988 James M. Gross GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071029153941/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim01.gif October 29, 2007 live The depression drifted eastward under the influence of the dissipating frontal trough and intensified into Tropical Storm Florence, as confirmed by hurricane hunters. The storm turned northward on September 9 and accelerated toward the northern Gulf Coast under the influence of a mid- to upper-level trough. Florence became a hurricane just hours before landfall on the western Mississippi Delta. The storm rapidly weakened over southeastern Louisiana and lost all its deep convection as it passed over the New Orleans area. Florence became a depression on September 10 near Baton Rouge and dissipated the next day over northeast Texas. Early in its duration the system dropped moderate amounts of rainfall across the Yucatán Peninsula.http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/florence1988.html Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Florence October 28, 2007 David Roth 2006 Hydrometeorological Prediction Center https://web.archive.org/web/20130921194258/http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/florence1988.html September 21, 2013 live Upon striking Louisiana, storm surge water levels rose moderately above normal just east of where the center moved ashore.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim02.gif Hurricane Florence Preliminary Report 2 October 28, 2007 November 8, 1988 James M. Gross GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071029154007/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim02.gif October 29, 2007 live Gusty winds caused power outages to more than 100,000 people. In Alabama one man died while trying to secure his boat. Rainfall from the hurricane caused severe river flooding in portions of the Florida Panhandle in an area already severely affected by heavy rainfall, and the flooding damaged or destroyed dozens of houses in Santa Rosa County.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim03.gif Hurricane Florence Preliminary Report 3 October 28, 2007 November 8, 1988 James M. Gross GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071029153947/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim03.gif October 29, 2007 live Hurricane Gilbert Atl Gilbert 1988-09-13 2200Z.png Gilbert 1988 path.png September 8 September 19 160 888 Hurricane Gilbert The 13th tropical depression formed from a tropical wave just east of the Lesser Antilles on September 8. As it moved west-northwest, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Gilbert on September 9, shortly before passing over Guadeloupe. The tropical storm turned west and rapidly intensified to a major hurricane on September 11. Gilbert continued to strengthen as it brushed the southern coast of Hispaniola. It passed directly over Jamaica as a Category 3 hurricane. The cyclone became the first to strike Jamaica at hurricane intensity since Charlie in 1951.https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/09/12/Hurricane-Gilbert-grew-in-strength-and-smashed-into-the/4597590040000/ Hurricane Gilbert grew in strength and smashed into the... September 12, 1988 United Press International November 16, 2025 When the center reemerged over water, Gilbert rapidly intensified again. On September 13, the central pressure dropped 72 mb inHg on, the fastest deepening of an Atlantic hurricane on record until 2005's Hurricane Wilma.National Hurricane Center Richard J. Pasch, Eric S. Blake, Hugh D. Cobb III, and David P. Roberts September 9, 2014 January 12, 2006 Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Wilma October 10, 2007 AL252005_Wilma PDF https://web.archive.org/web/20070925190902/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL252005_Wilma.pdf September 25, 2007 dead Gilbert's pressure of 888 mb inHg on at the time was the lowest sea-level pressure ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere,National Hurricane Center October 26, 1988 Gilbert C. Clark Hurricane Gilbert Preliminary Report 1 October 10, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/gilbert/prelim01.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20070928102806/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/gilbert/prelim01.gif September 28, 2007 live and the lowest in the Atlantic basin until Wilma. Gilbert weakened slightly before landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula, although it struck at Category 5 strength. Until 2007's Hurricane Dean, Gilbert was the most recent storm to make landfall as a Category 5 hurricane in Mexico. As the eye moved over land, the storm rapidly lost strength, reemerging on September 15 in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane. Hurricane Gilbert continued its northwest track and restrengthened to a minimal Category 4 hurricane. On September 16, Gilbert made its final landfall in northeast Mexico near the town of La Pesca with maximum sustained winds of 125 mi/h km/h on. The center passed south of Monterrey, Mexico, on September 17 and brought heavy flooding to the city. Gilbert's remnants turned north and eventually merged with a developing frontal low pressure system over Missouri. The storm caused $2.98 billion in damage and 318 deaths across the Caribbean and into Central America,The Times London, United Kingdom September 15, 1988 200 mph hurricane batters holiday isle; Hurricane Gilbert LexisNexisAssociated Press September 15, 1988 Casualties And Damage From Hurricane Gilbert At A Glance with Jamaica and Mexico particularly hard hit.National Hurricane Center October 26, 1988 Gilbert C. Clark Hurricane Gilbert Preliminary Report 2 October 10, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/gilbert/prelim02.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20070928102808/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/gilbert/prelim02.gif September 28, 2007 live In the former, heavy rains and strong winds destroyed or damaged crops, roads, small aircraft, and structures,History of Hurricanes and Floods in Jamaica http://www.nlj.gov.jm/history-notes/History%20of%20Hurricanes%20and%20Floods%20in%20Jamaica.pdf National Library of Jamaica 2013 November 16, 2025 including nearly 240,000 low-incoming housing units and about 95% of health care facilities.https://reliefweb.int/report/dominican-republic/caribbean-region-hurricane-gilbert-sep-1988-undro-situation-reports-1-15 Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator Jamaica - Hurricane Gilbert: UNDRO Situation Report No. 15 October 11, 1988 November 16, 2025Pan American Health Organization Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Coordination Program February 20, 1999 http://www.crid.or.cr/digitalizacion/pdf/eng/doc6803/doc6803-01.pdf The Hurricane and its Effects: Hurricane Gilbert - Jamaica Centro Regional de Información sobre Desastres América Latina y El Caribe November 16, 2025 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120222221941/http://www.crid.or.cr/digitalizacion/pdf/eng/doc6803/doc6803-01.pdf February 22, 2012 Extensive argicultural losses were also reported, especially to banana crops and the poultry industry.Jamaica Counts the Hurricane Toll: 25 Dead and 4 Out of 5 Homes Roofless https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/15/world/jamaica-counts-the-hurricane-toll-25-dead-and-4-out-of-5-homes-roofless.html Joseph B. Treaster The New York Times September 15, 1988 November 16, 2025Hurricane Is Reported to Damage Over 100,000 Homes in Jamaica https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/13/world/hurricane-is-reported-to-damage-over-100000-homes-in-jamaica.html Joseph B. Treaster The New York Times September 13, 1988 November 16, 2025 At least $800 million in damage and 45 fatalities occurred on Jamaica, while sources such as the NHC place the damage total closer to $2 billion. In Mexico, wind gusts may have reached 200 mph km/h on in the Yucatán Peninsula,https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/09/15/Hurricane-Gilbert-pounded-the-ancient-Mayan-ruins-and-emptied/4560590299200/ David Kirby September 15, 1988 Hurricane Gilbert pounded the ancient Mayan ruins and emptied United Press International November 16, 2025 although no wind reports from the country are known. Gilbert destroyed over 60,000 homes throughout the country. Overall, 202 deaths and $2 billion in damage occurred in Mexico. Flooding in the Monterrey metropolitan area led to many of those fatalities. A large tornado outbreak was reported in the United States, with Storm Data documenting 47 twisters – 41 in Texas, 3 in Alabama, 2 in Mississippi, and 1 each in Louisiana and Oklahoma.30 9 Storm Data Storm Data and Unusual Weather Phenomena September 1988 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/swdi/stormevents/pub-pdf/storm_1988_09.pdf 0039-1972 November 16, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250508181607/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/swdi/stormevents/pub-pdf/storm_1988_09.pdf May 8, 202528 Hurricane Helene Atl Helene 1988-09-23 1230Z.png Helene 1988 track.png September 19 September 30 125 938 A tropical wave with deeply organized convection crossed the coast of Africa on September 15. The system was forced west due to a strong ridge in the eastern Atlantic. On September 19 at 18:00 UTC, the system was upgraded to Tropical Depression Fourteen. By 06:00 UTC on September 20, the depression was strengthened, and was upgraded to Tropical Storm Helene. Helene began to turn to the northwest on September 21 due to a major trough in the eastern Atlantic. Later on September 21, Helene intensified into a hurricane. Favorable conditions allowed the storm to continue strengthening, and on September 22, Helene became a major hurricane. Late on the following day, Helene attained its peak intensity; maximum sustained winds were at 145 mph km/h on and the minimum pressure of 938 mbar inHg on.Robert A. Case November 10, 1988 Hurricane Helene Preliminary Report 1 National Hurricane Center November 24, 2011 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/helene/prelim01.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20121021015915/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/helene/prelim01.gif October 21, 2012 live After reaching peak intensity, Helene weakened as it tracked generally northward through the open Atlantic. By early on September 29, Helene briefly restrengthened into a Category 2 hurricane and reached a secondary peak of 105 mph km/h on. However, later that day, Helene weakened back to a Category 1 hurricane while accelerating to the northeast. At 12:00 UTC on September 30, Helene transitioned into an extratropical cyclone while centered well south of Iceland. The precursor tropical wave produced thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging between 23 and 34 mph km/h on in Cape Verde on September 17. Tropical Depression Fifteen Atl 15L 1988-09-27 1400Z.png 15L 1988 track.png September 27 September 29 25 1009 While Hurricane Helene was spinning in the central Atlantic, a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa in late September rapidly organized. On September 27 the storm became the fifteenth tropical depression of the season while it was about 265 mi km on south-southeast of Cape Verde.Hurricane Helene Clings To Life Domestic News Associated Press September 27, 1988 The depression tracked westward at 15 to 20 mi/h km/h on but weakened rapidly. The next day it was downgraded to a tropical wave while still in the far eastern Atlantic, and never reformed in the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Isaac Atl Isaac 1988-09-29 1600Z.png Isaac 1988 track.png September 28 October 1 40 1005 A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on September 23. It traveled westward at a low latitude along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (or ITCZ), and its convection gradually grew more organized.Miles B. Lawrence http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/isaac/prelim01.gif Tropical Storm Isaac Preliminary Report 1 October 21, 2007 October 30, 1988 GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210738/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/isaac/prelim01.gif October 26, 2007 live On September 29 it was identified as Tropical Depression Sixteen about 900 mi km on southeast of Barbados. The westward path of the storm shifted two degrees northward, possibly as a result of the formation of a new center. On September 30 the depression was upgraded when an Air Force reconnaissance plane discovered tropical storm-force winds. Westerly vertical wind shear prevented deep convection at the center of the storm. As Isaac approached the islands, northern parts of the Lesser Antilles were issued tropical storm warnings. Nevertheless, the storm lasted only a short time in the shearing environment. Isaac was downgraded to a depression on October 1 and completely dissipated shortly thereafter. The remnants of Isaac eventually regenerated in the eastern Pacific Ocean basin as Tropical Depression Twenty-E.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1988/td20e/tropdisc/tcd1103z.gif Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion Harold B. Gerrish October 11, 1988 October 21, 2007 GIF National Hurricane Center https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210718/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1988/td20e/tropdisc/tcd1103z.gif October 26, 2007 live As a tropical cyclone, Isaac did not significantly affect land.Miles B. Lawrence October 30, 1988 Tropical Storm Isaac Preliminary Report 2 National Hurricane Center 2010-04-27 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/isaac/prelim02.gif GIF https://web.archive.org/web/20121024042839/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/isaac/prelim02.gif October 24, 2012 live However, the remnants dropped heavy rainfall across Trinidad and Tobago, causing flooding and mudslides that injured 20 people and left at least 30 homeless.Staff Writer Saint Petersburg Times 1988-10-04 2 die as storm lashes islands https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71473398/tampa-bay-times/ September 12, 2023 Newspapers.com Flash flooding in Morvant killed two people.Lindsay Mackoon October 2, 1988 Storm wreaks havoc on Trinidad United Press International https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/10/02/Storm-wreaks-havoc-on-Trinidad/4564591768000/ September 12, 2023 Across the country, the storm damaged roads and bridges.World Loss Report October 21, 1988 Occurrence and reports: Natural Catastrophe Hurricane Joan Atl Joan 1988-10-21 1930Z.png Joan-Miriam 1988 path.png October 10 October 23 (Exited basin) 125 932 Hurricane Joan–Miriam On October 10, the 17th tropical depression of the season organized from a disturbance in the ITCZ. For the next two days the system traveled northwest while it strengthened into Tropical Storm Joan.Harold P. Gerrish National Hurricane Center January 18, 1989 Hurricane Joan Preliminary Report October 10, 2007 7 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim07.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210727/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim07.gif October 26, 2007 live After passing through the southern Lesser Antilles, Joan traveled westward along the South American coast as a minimal tropical storm. It crossed the Guajira Peninsula on October 17 and quickly attained hurricane strength just 30 mi km on from the coast. Hurricane Joan strengthened into a major hurricane on October 19 while drifting westward. The hurricane executed a tight cyclonic loop in which it weakened greatly but rapidly strengthened upon resuming its westward track. Joan reached its peak intensity just before making landfall near Bluefields, Nicaragua, on October 22 as a Category 4 hurricane.Harold P. Gerrish National Hurricane Center January 18, 1989 Hurricane Joan Preliminary Report 2 October 10, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim02.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210804/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim02.gif October 26, 2007 live Joan at the time was the southernmost Category 4 hurricane ever recorded, but this record has since been broken by Hurricane Ivan.National Hurricane Center December 16, 2004 September 9, 2014 Stacy R. Stewart Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ivan October 10, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004ivan.shtml? https://web.archive.org/web/20070911070938/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004ivan.shtml September 11, 2007 dead mdy Joan remained well organized as it crossed Nicaragua and emerged in the eastern Pacific Ocean basin as Tropical Storm Miriam. Miriam gradually weakened until dissipating on November 2. Hurricane Joan killed 148 people in Nicaragua and 68 others in affected nations.Harold P. Gerrish National Hurricane Center January 18, 1989 Hurricane Joan Preliminary Report 3 October 10, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim03.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210719/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim03.gif October 26, 2007 live The hurricane damage in Nicaragua amounted to half of the $1.87 billion total. Joan also brought heavy rainfall and mudslides to countries along the extreme southern Caribbean. Its track along the northern coast of South America was very rare; Joan was one of only a few Atlantic tropical cyclones to move in this way.Harold P. Gerrish National Hurricane Center January 18, 1989 Hurricane Joan Preliminary Report 1 October 10, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim01.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20071026210725/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim01.gif October 26, 2007 live Joan was also the first tropical cyclone to cross from the Atlantic basin since Hurricane Greta of 1978.Stephen Caparotta, D. Walston, Steven Young, Gary Padgett and Sandy Delgado May 31, 2011 Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory Subject: E15) What tropical storms and hurricanes have moved from the Atlantic to the Northeast Pacific or vice versa? FAQ Part E: Tropical Cyclone Records 1 October 10, 2007 http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/tcfaqE.html https://web.archive.org/web/20131221180643/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/E15.html December 21, 2013 live Tropical Depression Eighteen Atl 18L 1988-10-20 1400Z.png 18L 1988 track.png October 19 October 21 30 1006 A westward-moving tropical wave, that left the coast of Africa in early October, tracked closely behind Hurricane Joan through the southern Caribbean.Pierre Yves-Glass Locust Invasion Threatens Caribbean Crops International News Associated Press October 20, 1988 In an unusual occurrence the disturbance developed into the 18th tropical depression about 500 mi km on behind the powerful hurricane. An Air Force reconnaissance check of tropical weather on October 19 spotted the depression near Colombia's Guajira Peninsula. Hurricane Joan's small size allowed the depression to remain out-of-reach as it developed. However, the outflow of the hurricane sheared the depression and sapped its energy.October 21, 1988, Friday, PM cycle Domestic News United Press International October 21, 1988 The system gradually dissipated on October 21 while Joan was experiencing rapid strengthening just before its arrival on the coast of Nicaragua. The depression brought heavy rain to the Netherlands Antilles. News reports blamed Tropical Depression Eighteen and other tropical systems for bringing swarms of pink locusts from Africa to Trinidad and other Caribbean nations. Tropical Storm Keith Atl Keith 1988-11-21 1830Z.png Keith 1988 track.png November 17 November 24 60 985 Tropical Storm Keith (1988) The last storm of the season formed from a tropical wave on November 17 to the south of Haiti. It moved westward through the Caribbean and became organized enough to attain tropical storm status on November 20. Keith rapidly organized and peaked with winds of 70 mi/h km/h on before making landfall on the northeastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula on November 21. An upper-level trough forced it to the northeast, where upper-level shear and cooler drier air weakened it to minimal storm strength in a pattern typical for November.National Hurricane Center December 29, 1988 Tropical Storm Keith Preliminary Report 1 January 7, 2008 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim01.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20121019040716/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim01.gif October 19, 2012 live Keith restrengthened over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and struck near Sarasota, Florida, on November 23. After crossing the state, it became extratropical on November 24 near Bermuda and became an intense extratropical system over the Atlantic with sustained winds of minimal hurricane force.National Hurricane Center December 29, 1988 Tropical Storm Keith Preliminary Report 2 January 7, 2009 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim02.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20121019040723/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim02.gif October 19, 2012 live Early in its duration Keith produced moderate to heavy rainfall in Honduras, Jamaica, and Cuba.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77549673/the-daily-register/ The Daily Register November 21, 1988 Late-Season Storm Forms; Cuba, Florida Likely Targets 5A Associated Press September 12, 2023 Newspapers.com Brian Murphy November 22, 1988 Storm Keith Hovers In Gulf, Could Strike Florida https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77549758/journal-gazette/ A-6 Associated Press Journal Gazette September 12, 2023 Newspapers.com National Hurricane Center December 29, 1988 Tropical Storm Keith Preliminary Report 3 March 20, 2007 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim03.gif https://web.archive.org/web/20121019040740/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim03.gif October 19, 2012 live Minimal damage was reported in Mexico, still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Gilbert two months earlier.The Globe and Mail (Canada) November 22, 1988 Tropical storm Keith hits Yucatan, western Cuba Keith, the last of four named tropical cyclones to hit the United States during the season, produced moderate rainfall, a rough storm surge, and gusty winds across central Florida. Overall damage was widespread but fairly minor, totaling about $7.3 million.Thomas C. Tobin December 7, 1988 Damage from Keith won't qualify for aid https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77549553/tampa-bay-times/ May 12, 2021 3 Saint Petersburg Times Newspapers.com Damage near the coast occurred mainly from storm surge and beach erosion, while damage further inland was limited to flooding and downed trees and power lines. No fatalities were reported. Storm names Tropical cyclone naming The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the north Atlantic in 1988.https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1988.pdf 37 NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research Washington, D.C. National Hurricane Operations Plan May 1988 January 17, 2024 This is the same list used for the 1982 season as no names were retired from that year.https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/National%20Hurricane%20Operations%20Plan%20(1982).pdf 37 NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research Washington, D.C. National Hurricane Operations Plan May 1982 January 17, 2024 Storms were named Gilbert, Isaac, Joan and Keith for the first (and only in the cases of Gilbert and Joan) time in 1988. The names Florence and Helene had been previously used under the old naming convention.Erdman Jonathan No Atlantic Hurricane Name Has Been Used Longer than Florence, But It Likely Won't Be Used Again September 13, 2018 https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-09-13-florence-atlantic-name-history-1953 The Weather Channel February 8, 2024 Alberto Beryl Chris Debby Ernesto Florence Gilbert Helene Isaac Joan Keith Leslie Michael Nadine Oscar Patty Rafael Sandy Tony Valerie William Retirement List of retired Atlantic hurricane names The World Meteorological Organization retired the names Gilbert and Joan from the rotating Atlantic hurricane name lists after the 1988 season on account of their severity.Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml National Hurricane Center Miami, Florida January 17, 2024 They were replaced with Gordon and Joyce for the 1994 season.https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1994.pdf 37 NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research Washington, D.C. National Hurricane Operations Plan May 1994 January 17, 2024 Season effects This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 1988 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their name, duration (within the basin), peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 1988 USD. center 1988 Atlantic hurricane season depression One May 31 – June 2 30 (45) 1002 Greater Antilles Unknown 37Lixion A. Avila Gilbert B. Clark Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1988 Monthly Weather Review October 1, 1989 117 10 2260–2265 10.1175/1520-0493(1989)117<2260:ATSO>2.0.CO;2 1989MWRv..117.2260A mdy free storm Alberto August 5 – 8 40 (65) 1002 East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada None None storm Beryl August 5 – 8 40 (65) 1002 Gulf Coast of the United States $3 million 1 depression Four August 13 – 14 35 (55) 1012 Florida None None depression Five August 20 – 31 35 (55) 1006 None None None depression Six August 20 – 24 35 (55) 1006 Windward Islands None None storm Chris August 21 – 29 50 (85) 1005 Leeward Islands, Greater Antilles, East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada $2.2 million 6 cat1 Debby August 31 – September 8 75 (120) 987 Yucatan Peninsula, Eastern Mexico Unknown 20 storm Ernesto September 3 – 5 65 (100) 994 None None None depression Ten September 4 35 (55) 1004 Gulf Coast of the United States None None storm Unnamed September 7 – 10 60 (95) 994 Cape Verde None None cat1 Florence September 7 – 11 80 (130) 982 Yucatan Peninsula, Gulf Coast of the United States $2.9 million 1 cat5 Gilbert September 8 – 19 185 (295) 888 Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Central America, Yucatan Peninsula, South Central, Midwestern and Western Canada $2.98 billion 318Eric S. Blake 47 National Hurricane Center Christopher W. Landsea August 2011 Ethan J. Gibney October 31, 2012 live The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones from 1851 to 2010 (And Other Frequently Requested Hurricane Facts) NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-6 August 16, 2014 United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20121031181741/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/nws-nhc-6.pdf mdy Miles B. Lawrence 117 James M. Gross Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1988 Monthly Weather Review 2248–2259 October 1, 1989 10 10.1175/1520-0493(1989)117<2248:AHSO>2.0.CO;2 1520-0493 1989MWRv..117.2248L http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1988.pdf September 25, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20151016000555/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1988.pdf October 16, 2015 live cat4 Helene September 19 – 30 145 (230) 938 None None None depression Fifteen September 27 – 29 30 (45) 1009 None None None storm Isaac September 28 – October 1 45 (75) 1005 Trinidad and Tobago Unknown 2 cat4 Joan October 10 – 23 145 (230) 932 Windward Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Colombia, Venezuela, Central America $2 billion 216–334 depression Eighteen October 19 – 21 35 (55) 1006 Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad None None storm Keith November 17 – 24 70 (110) 985 Central America, Yucatán Peninsula, Greater Antilles, Southeastern United States, Southeast United States, Bermuda $7.3 million None 19 May 31 – November 24 185 (295) 888 $4.99 billion 601–719 See also Tropical cyclones 1988 Pacific hurricane season 1988 Pacific typhoon season 1988 North Indian Ocean cyclone season South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 1987–88, 1988–89 Australian region cyclone seasons: 1987–88, 1988–89 South Pacific cyclone seasons: 1987–88, 1988–89 South Atlantic tropical cyclone Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone Notes nb References External links Monthly Weather Review Detailed information on all storms from 1988 Information concerning U.S. rainfall from tropical cyclones in 1988 HURDAT archive on 1988 season 1980 Atlantic hurricane 1988 Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines 1988 ATL