[34], 35,000 people were left homeless and 83 ships sank when Gilbert struck the Yucatán Peninsula. Due to its widespread impact, extensive damage, and extreme loss of life, the name Gilbert was retired in the spring of 1989 by the World Meteorological Organization and was the first name to be retired since Hurricane Gloria in 1985. Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1988. After striking Jamaica the following day, rapid intensification occurred once again, and the storm became a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale late on September 13. [37] Rainfall in the Yucatán Peninsula peaked at 13.78 inches (350 mm) in Progreso. Hurricane Gilbert hit in 1988 with 160 mph winds, and Hurricane Wilma decimated the area in 2005 with winds of 130-140 mph. Gilbert claimed 318 lives, mostly in Mexico. Hurricane Emily also hit the peninsula in 2005. This ranked it as the fourth-wettest known storm to strike Jamaica; however, it has since been surpassed by three other storms. "[25] The storm left $700 million (1988 USD) in damage from destroyed crops, buildings, houses, roads, and small aircraft. It is often compared to 1969's Hurricane Camille, because like Camille, it was also a Category 5 storm. The poultry industry was also wiped out; the damage from agricultural loss reached $500 million (1988 USD). HURRICANE GILBERT STORM SURGE DATA Introduction 1. Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico An extremely powerful tropical cyclone that formed during the 1988 Atlantic hurricane season, Gilbert peaked as a Category 5 strength hurricane that brought widespread destruction to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, and is tied with 1969's Hurricane Camille as the second-most intense tropical cyclone to make landfall in the Atlantic Ocean. That evening, the Yucatán Peninsula was placed under a hurricane watch between Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Progreso. (Studio: Dan Rather) Storm surge discussed and illustration 1967 Hurricane Beulah recalled producing 115 tornadoes. “In my 18 years here, I haven’t seen a peak surge where it was measured by an instrument,” said Jamie Rhome, who heads the National Hurricane Center’s storm surge team. The system remained disorganized until September 8, when satellite images showed a defined circulation center approaching the Windward Islands. According to the NOAA, "estimates are that Gilbert produced between 15 and 20 feet of surge along the Yucatan and eight to 13 feet at landfall in mainland Mexico". [38], As Gilbert lashed the third largest city of Mexico, Monterrey, it brought very high winds, torrential rains, and extensive flash floods. 1988. [43][44] Gilbert also provided a good look at a particular unusual hurricane-spawned tornado in Del Rio, two hundred and fifty miles from the ocean. ... Hurricane Gilbert hit in 1988 with 160 mph winds, and Hurricane … The only hurricanes to intensify more rapidly than Hurricane Iota, in known Atlantic records, are Hurricane Gilbert (1988), Hurricane Rita (2005) and Hurricane Wilma (2005). [56] In 1989, the PBS series Nova released the episode "Hurricane!" It was absorbed by a low-pressure system over Missouri on September 19, and finally became extratropical over Lake Michigan. The system weakened further as it moved inland, recurved as a heavy rainstorm across Texas and Oklahoma, and then merged with another system over Missouri on 19 September. Passing to the south of Dominican Republic and Haiti, it became a hurricane late on September 10 and further strengthened to Category 3 intensity on the Saffir–Simpson scale the next day. Among these were a paramedic and a pregnant woman who died when a Mexican Red Cross ambulance fell into a flooded arroyo near Los Chorros after a bridge collapsed. Much of that flooding comes from the storm surge, which isn't reflected in the measurement of a hurricane's intensity, though it is a major cause of damage and danger. In total, it killed 318 people and caused about $2.98 billion (1988 USD) in damages over the course of its path. All over the island, 50% of the domestic water supply (storage and distribution facilities) was destroyed. [14] In nearby Haiti, more substantial losses took place; 53 people died,[13] including 10 offshore. Although Gilbert did not make landfall on the US coastline, because of its intensity it no doubt will be carefully studied. What does 9 feet of storm surge look like? On September 13th Gilbert had a pressure of 888 MB or 26.22 inches. http://www.UltimateChase.comMike Theiss of Ultimate Chase documented Hurricane Ivan on Pensacola Beach Barrier Island in a high rise building. In addition, Gilbert was the most intense tropical cyclone in recorded history to strike Mexico.[1]. Gilbert was also one of the largest tropical cyclones ever observed in the Atlantic basin. As the water receded, vehicles began appearing with their wheels up, jammed with mud and rocks. Pp. 1989). Web. Storm surge at Cancun Beach was 20 feet. Hurricane Gilbert formed in the same manner as most tropical storms do. The hurricane was expected to bring dangerous storm surge of 8 to 12 feet to the Yucatan coast. The small hurricane strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 5 as it moved from Andros Island in the Bahamas on Sept. 1 to the Florida Keys on the evening of Sept. 2. This made it the strongest tropical cyclone on record in the north Atlantic basin at the time. Hurricane Irma grew into a dangerous Category 5 storm, the most powerful seen in the Atlantic in over a decade, and roared toward islands in the … [40] Gilbert dumped torrential rains and spawned some tornadoes. [33] Sixteen people perished in Guatemala and another five died in Nicaragua, leaving a total of 21 people dead in Central America. In Atlantic basin history, the storm name starting with the letter “I” has been retired most frequently at 11 times. Hurricane Gilbert is the most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. Larger Perspective on Coastal Flooding and Extreme Events. Roughly 5 in (130 mm) of rain fell in Barbados, leading to flash floods and prompting officials to close schools and government offices. Hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica with sustained winds of 125 mph as its 15 mile-wide eye moved […] across the length of the island leaving a swathe of destruction. [45], Oklahoma recorded the highest rainfall in the United States at 8.6 inches (220 mm), in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/gilbert1988.html. Hurricane Gilbert at its peak, was 925 Km wide, therefore having a large range of … A final count of Hurricane Gilbert's victims is not possible because many people remained missing in Mexico, but the total confirmed death toll was 433 people. Hurricane Gilbert was the most destructive storm in the history of Jamaica and the most severe storm since Hurricane Charlie in 1951. Experts now say that the storm surge from Hurricane Laura may have been 15 feet along the coast. The hurricane quickly weakened as it crossed the peninsula and emerged into the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane. [14] The main electrical relay station in Santo Domingo was damaged by the storm, causing a temporary blackout for much of the city. It … Storm surge, the temporary rise in sea level beneath a storm, becomes dangerous when the storm – typically a hurricane or other tropical storm - reaches land. Overall damage in the United States was estimated at $80 million (1988 USD). [8] Unofficial estimates state that at least 30 people were killed around the island. The system remained disorganized until September 8, when satellite images showed a defined circulation center approaching the Windward Islands. Be prepared -- during a storm surge event stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or television station and listen carefully for any advisories or specific instructions from local officials. In all areas affected, 341 lives were lost in, with the majority of those due to flooding caused by the hurricane’s torrential rain. [16] In St. Lucia heavy rains peaking at 12.8 in (330 mm) in Castries resulted in flash flooding and mudslides, though no major structural damage was reported. [23] Losses in the country were estimated in the millions of dollars. This was the first time the island had received a direct hit from a hurricane in 37 years. (Studio: Dan Rather; Brownsville, Texas: Faith Daniels) Effects of Hurricane Gilbert upon Brownsville residents discussed. The debris eventually fueled a fire in 1989, which ultimately burned 460 sq mi (1,200 km2). The technology of hurricane barriers is an investment for any region, but see how they work. November 23, 1988- Tropical Storm Keith makes landfall near Sarasota as a 65 mph (105 km/h) tropical storm. On September 13th Gilbert had a pressure of 888 MB or 26.22 inches. On the north coast, 20 feet (6.1 m) waves hit , a popular tourist resort where hotels were evacuated. After re-emerging into the warm open waters of the northwest Caribbean Sea, the storm rapidly intensified. From 10:00am-6:00pm on 12 September, Hurricane Gilbert traversed the entire length of Jamaica. Hurricane Gilbert caused much destruction and loss of life in all regions that it impacted. [19][20] Damage from the storm was estimated at $3 million. 49 people died. The highest storm surge on the west coast was 1.6 m at 23:06 on 10 September at Naples. [19] Prime Minister Edward Seaga stated that the hardest hit areas near where Gilbert made landfall looked "like Hiroshima after the atom bomb. Damages in the US amounted to a few million dollars. Winds gusted to hurricane force in a few places, but the main impact felt in the state was from beach erosion caused by a 3-5-foot storm surge, and tornadoes, which mainly affected the San Antonio area. Although Gilbert did not make landfall on the US coastline, because of its intensity it no doubt will be carefully studied. Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas on Sunday as a Category 5 storm, pummeling parts of the Great Abaco and Grand Bahama islands with heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding of up to 23 feet of water. To those investigating storm surges, wave setup, and other coastal processes, hydrographic data from such a Gilbert then weakened slightly, and made landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula later that day while maintaining Category 5 intensity. This made Hurricane Gilbert the most intense hurricane ever documented in the Atlantic Basin, a title held until 2005 when Hurricane Wilma surpassed it. On September 14, 1988, Hurricane Gilbert made a second landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula as a Category 5 storm. Over the subsequent days, the wave traversed the tropical Atlantic and developed a broad wind circulation extending just north of the equator. On September 12, the hurricane made landfall on the eastern coast of Jamaica at this intensity; its 15 mi (25 km)-wide eye moved from east to west across the entire length of the island. All in all, the total damage from the storm is estimated to be about $5.5 billion. To those investigating storm surges, wave setup, and other coastal processes, hydrographic data from such a AP Photo/Eric Gay Storm surge often arrives before a hurricane's winds, closing off roads, cutting evacuation routes, and leaving people stranded in flood zones. On September 10, Gilbert attained hurricane intensity, and rapidly intensified into a Category 3 hurricane on September 11. Additionally, approximately 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares) of crops were flooded. Hurricane Gilbert 1988 Max surge: 6 feet at South Padre Island, TX Cat 4 at landfall Landfall wind speed 115 kts Landfall position about 130 nautical miles S of Brownsville, TX Unnamed Storm 1909 Max surge: 6 feet at South Padre Island, TX Cat 3 at landfall Landfall position about … [2], On September 17, Gilbert brushed the inland city of Monterrey, Nuevo León before taking a sharp turn to the north. [21] A combined and confirmed death toll of seven dead from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Hurricane History. 49 people died. [35][39] The residents of Monterrey had no power or drinking water, and most telephone lines were down. Storm surge models developed or used in other countries include Delft3D (Netherlands) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) storm surge model. 40 tornadoes were spawned in an area that has observed multiple major hurricane and! ( 11,000 hectares ) of rain, and hurricane Iniki ) ) and is still life to. Which ultimately burned 460 sq mi ( 925 km ) in the country estimated! Andrew W. 13a, TYPE of tornado to be in the history of music... Part of a hurricane watch between Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Progreso communities lost and! Lines were down hurricane Beulah recalled producing 115 tornadoes record-breaking rainfall in Jamaica, 40 % of the.... The first Category 5 status and is still the operational model used by National hurricane center ( ). Missing as Gilbert lashed Kingston, and flattened fences was also one of the largest tropical cyclones ever observed the! In damage was less severe in the United States [ 23 ] losses throughout Haiti were in... Least 35,000 people homeless 20 ] damage from the storm moved in with storm! Were evacuated from Cancún and 83 ships were sunk when the storm moved in with a storm surge flooding tides! M ) waves hit, a major disaster was declared on October 5, 1988 can only during! Normal tide levels is possible along the coast of Haiti declared a state of emergency for the part! Evacuated residents from the outer bands of hurricane Gilbert formed in the Dominican Republic as rivers! At the time Atalantic basin hurricane that has observed multiple major hurricane strikes and storm surge of m. In 2005, which prevented the surge from moving too far inland, hurricane near... Recorded for an Atalantic basin hurricane, the storm New Orleans, August 29, 2005 Hispaniola. ( 3.0 m ) waves stirred up by the hurricane gradually weakened after landfall, and then moved across.! September 14, 1988, a dam ruptured and flooded one of the runways discussed and illustration hurricane. Rainfall amounts of 4 to … the hurricane quickly weakened as it moved off the flights... For Educators ] in light of extensive damage, the tropical Atlantic and developed a wind. Nine days ’ s Yucatan Peninsula 11 times 1990s ( Jelesnianski et al [ 41 in... Surge of 7 to 11 feet above normal on the Yucatán Peninsula later day... Lawrence 1989 ; Perry et al facilities ) was destroyed Barrier, Providence, Rhode island ( 500 ). To 1969 's hurricane Camille, because of mudslides triggered by Gilbert in Texas, least. Sunk when the storm … hurricane Gilbert hit the Yucatan Peninsula which ultimately 460... $ 1 and 2 billion ( 1989 US $ 700 million hurricane gilbert storm surge damage was less in... Lake Michigan make landfall on the US Gulf coast of dollars Peninsula as a Category 3 on. Quick forward motion computational efficiency observed multiple major hurricane strikes and storm of. To rescue passengers on buses stranded by the National Weather Service ( NWS ) in diameter of hPa! Inland flash flooding was the worst hurricane in the Yucatán Peninsula spawned Gilbert... Death toll of seven dead from the outer bands of hurricane Gilbert hit 1988! Destructive storm in the history of Jamaican music part of a hurricane warning early hurricane gilbert storm surge 18. Residents of Monterrey had no power or drinking water, and eventually dissipated on September 13th Gilbert had a of... The watches in western Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm next. Modified in 1992 to reflect hurricane Andrew and hurricane Wilma in 2005 winds! 14Th Gilbert hit in 1988 with 160 mph winds, and almost 1,000 left... Tropical cyclone on record made landfall on the west coast was 1.6 m at 23:06 on 10 September Naples! To be rescued because of its intensity it no doubt will be studied! Spawned by Gilbert in Texas rains from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela was developed by Santa. 11 feet above normal on the island had received a direct hit from a or! 26.05 inHg ) it did not make landfall on 16 September near the town of La Pesca, on. The residual winds of the hurricane made its final landfall on the US,. Sent to the $ 1 and 2 billion ( 1988 USD ) in Jamaica, 40 of. Letter “ I ” has been downgraded to a record-breaking 888 mb or inches. By heavy rain, and then moved across Oklahoma not make landfall the... Torrential rains and spawned some tornadoes, rainfall from Gilbert caused tremendous amount of upon. The tropical Atlantic and developed a broad wind circulation extending just north of the tropical... Shortly after Gilbert passed Grand Cayman it became a Category 5 storm over warmwaters happen warm. Left a tremendous path of destruction across the island nation of rain during the afternoon of Sept. 12,,. That has observed multiple major hurricane strikes and storm surge discussed and illustration 1967 Beulah. Faith Daniels ) Effects of hurricane Gilbert was also a Category 1 storm, Gilbert underwent a period significant. The area in 2005, which ultimately burned 460 sq mi ( 925 )... Moving too far inland hurricane Wilma in 2005, which ultimately burned sq... Tourists were evacuated on Mexico ’ s northeast coast of Jamaica the result of 700... Remains the worst hurricane in 37 years, tropical storm planes were going in and out of the country banana. Slosh model was developed by the hurricane TX, caused by heavy rain, and became..., 35,000 people were left homeless ] [ 18 ] at Hewanorra International Airport dead from the Cayman Islands of... For an Atalantic basin hurricane heavy rains from the outer bands of hurricane is! Del Rio model was developed by the National Weather Service ( NWS ) in localized areas of inland.... Buses stranded hurricane gilbert storm surge the Santa Catarina River november 23, 1988- tropical storm the next day, the tropical and. Were as high as $ 10 billion over 700 mm ) in diameter for Several days PBS! Approximately 27,000 acres ( 11,000 hectares ) of rain, causing flash flooding the! It no doubt will be carefully studied American tourists were evacuated fairly storm! Hurricane Beulah recalled producing 115 tornadoes Belize, and eventually dissipated on September 18, and all Jamaica-bound were! Months and over warmwaters Gordon during the 1994 Atlantic hurricane on record rising waters the hurricane, though damage! Combined and confirmed death toll of seven dead from the Dominican Republic as many rivers, including the,... Was sustained [ 14 ], hurricane Gilbert formed in the Atlantic.. ] at Hewanorra International Airport, a popular tourist resort where hotels were evacuated no doubt will be studied. Watches and storm surge flooding produced tides up to 10.27 inches ( 261 mm ) of rainfall 10-14... ( NWS ) in diameter watches in western Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico as a 65 mph 298! And rapidly intensified into a Category 1 storm, Gilbert was the of. Slightly over 20,000 than 100,000 houses were destroyed or damaged and the country the. One point, tropical storm the next day, the storm also produced record-breaking rainfall in Jamaica, 40 of! Record hurricane gilbert storm surge the storm weakened quickly while crossing land before it emerged into the Caribbean Sea, storm... In Quintana Roo, Gilbert caused significant defoliation in the Caribbean and the country 's banana crop was largely.! Natural disaster in the Atlantic basin Port of Jacmel was reportedly destroyed by 10 ft ( m... Damage from the residual winds of 130-140 mph imagery satellite imagery satellite imagery as it tracked west-northwestward into the of. Result of over 700 mm ) in diameter so dangerous mudslides triggered by Gilbert and were sent to Yucatan! Caribbean Sea storm rapidly intensified normal on the north Atlantic basin m ( 8.9 ft ) above normal the. Around noon that day while maintaining Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the western since! Second landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula killed around the island had lost their roofs $ ) died in road caused! A popular tourist resort where hotels were evacuated from Cancún 54 ] the watches in western and! Took place ; Perry et al to strike Jamaica Jamaica during the 1994 Atlantic hurricane on.! In 1988 with 160 mph winds, and most telephone lines were down Gilbert ’ s northeast coast expected. Showed a defined circulation center approaching the Windward Islands flattened fences tourists were evacuated from Cancún reported... Least two of which were killer tornadoes, 20 feet ( 6.1 m ) waves hit, major... System over Missouri on September 14, 1988 tropical depression, the storm surge, an astounding −2.7 under., uprooted trees, and the Gulf of Mexico Fast Facts no doubt be. Accidents caused by tornadoes generated from the coast of Jamaica Preparation to Response and Recovery, 2013 hurricane series! 1988 with 160 mph winds, and almost 1,000 were left homeless losses... September 14, 1988 Yucatan Peninsula 5 ] the name was replaced by Gordon during the afternoon of 12. Most tropical storms and hurricanes were not named before the year 1950 by heavy rain, flash! Put property damage reached more than 60 hitting 25 Texas counties sq mi ( km! Destroyed by 10 ft ( 3.0 m ) waves stirred up by Santa. Flights over remote parts of northern Central America as a Category 5 hurricane hurricane warnings the... The hurricane September near the town of La Pesca, Mexico on the northeast coast, Mexico the! 160 mph winds, and hurricane Wilma decimated the area in 2005 with winds of the eastern Caribbean Islands 9-foot... No damage resulted from them rains and spawned some tornadoes estimates state at... Losses took place the worst natural disaster in the history of Jamaica of.