1988 Atlantic hurricane season 802559 219465746 2008-06-15T10:47:21Z Lightbot 7178666 Units/dates/other using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{Infobox hurricane season | Basin=Atl | Year=1988 | Track=1988 Atlantic hurricane season summary.jpg | First storm formed=[[May 30]], [[1988]] | Last storm dissipated=[[November 24]], [[1988]] | Strongest storm name=[[Hurricane Gilbert|Gilbert]] | Strongest storm pressure=888 | Strongest storm winds=160 | Average wind speed= | Total depressions=19 | Total storms=12 | Total hurricanes=5 | Total intense=3 | Fatalities=550 | Damages=7000 | Inflated=1 | five seasons=[[1986 Atlantic hurricane season|1986]], [[1987 Atlantic hurricane season|1987]], '''1988''', [[1989 Atlantic hurricane season|1989]], [[1990 Atlantic hurricane season|1990]] }} The '''1988 Atlantic hurricane season''' was a moderately active season that proved costly and deadly, with 15&nbsp;[[tropical cyclone]]s directly affecting land.<!--left out TD 5, Ernesto, Helene, and TD 15--> The season officially began on [[June 1]],&nbsp;1988, and lasted until [[November 30]],&nbsp;1988, although activity began on [[May 30]] when a tropical depression developed in the [[Caribbean Sea]]. The June through November dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most [[tropical cyclone]]s form in the [[Atlantic basin]]. The first cyclone to attain tropical storm status was [[Tropical Storm Alberto (1988)|Alberto]] on [[August 8]], nearly a month later than usual.<ref name=TCclimate>{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=2006|title=Tropical Cyclone Climatology|accessdate=2007-11-24|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastprofile.shtml}}</ref> The final storm of the year, [[Tropical Storm Keith (1988)|Tropical Storm Keith]], became [[extratropical cyclone|extratropical]] on [[November 24]]. The season produced 19&nbsp;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 [[tropical cyclone scales|major hurricanes]] reaching Category&nbsp;3 on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]]. The most notable cyclone of the season was [[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 [[United States dollar|US$]]5&nbsp;billion in damage (equivalent to about US$9&nbsp;billion in 2007) and more than 300&nbsp;deaths, mostly in Mexico. [[Hurricane Joan]], striking [[Nicaragua]] as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane, caused about US$2&nbsp;billion in damage (US$3.5&nbsp;billion in 2007) and more than 200&nbsp;deaths. The hurricane crossed into the eastern [[Pacific Ocean]] and was reclassified as Tropical Storm Miriam. ==Season summary== ===Preseason forecasts=== {| class="toccolours" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3 style="float:right; margin-left:1em; text-align:right;" |+'''Predictions of tropical activity in the 1988 season''' |- style="background:#ccccff" |align="center"|'''Source''' |align="center"|'''Date''' |align="center"|'''<font style="font-size: 80%;">Named<br/>storms</font>''' |align="center"|'''<font style="font-size: 80%;">Hurricanes</font>''' |align="center"|'''<font style="font-size: 80%;">Major<br/>hurricanes</font>''' |- |align="left"|[[Colorado State University|CSU]] <ref name=CSUpredic/> |June |11 |7 |Unknown |- |align="center" colspan="2"|''Record high activity'' |[[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|28]] |[[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|15]] |[[1950 Atlantic hurricane season|8]] |- |align="center" colspan="2"|''Record low activity'' |[[1914 Atlantic hurricane season|1]] |[[1914 Atlantic hurricane season|0]] ([[1907 Atlantic hurricane season|tie]]) |0 |- |align="center" colspan="2"|'''Actual activity''' | 12 | 5 | 3 |- |} Forecasts of hurricane activity are issued before each hurricane season by noted hurricane experts such as [[William M. Gray|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. <ref name=CSUpredic>{{cite web|author=CSU|year=2006|title=Tropical Meteorology Project Forecast Verifications Errors|accessdate=2008-01-06|url=http://typhoon.atmos.colostate.edu/Includes/Documents/Publications/forecast_verifications.xls}}</ref> ===Season activity=== The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on [[June 1]],<ref name=TCclimate/> but activity in 1988 began two&nbsp;days earlier with the formation of [[1988_Atlantic_hurricane_season#Tropical_Depression_One|Tropical Depression One]] on [[May 30]]. It was an above average season in which 19&nbsp;[[tropical cyclone|tropical depressions]] formed.<ref name="TDs1988"/> Twelve&nbsp;depressions attained tropical storm status, and five of these attained hurricane status. For the first time in 27&nbsp;years three hurricanes reached [[tropical cyclone scales|major hurricane status]]. Four&nbsp;hurricanes and three&nbsp;tropical storms made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] during the season and caused 550&nbsp;deaths and $7&nbsp;billion in damage (1988&nbsp;[[United States Dollar|USD]], $12&nbsp;billion 2007&nbsp;USD).<ref name="mwr"/> The last storm of the season, [[1988_Atlantic_hurricane_season#Tropical_Storm_Keith|Tropical Storm Keith]], dissipated on [[November 14]],<ref name="mwr"/> only 16&nbsp;days before the official end of the season on [[November 30]].<ref name=TCclimate/> The activity in the first two&nbsp;months of the season was limited because of strong [[wind shear]] from an upper tropospheric flow. Although vigorous [[tropical wave]]s moved off the coast of [[Africa]], most 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.<ref name="TDs1988"/> The official [[Tropical cyclone track forecasting|storm track forecast]] errors were {{nowrap|30 to 40 percent}} lower than the average for the previous 10&nbsp;years.<ref name="mwr"/> The {{nowrap|24-, 48-, and 72-hour}} forecasts were the most accurate in more than 18&nbsp;years and were also more accurate than in each subsequent season until [[1996 Atlantic hurricane season|1996]].<ref name=forecasts>{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=2007|title=Average NHC Atlantic Track Forecast Errors|accessdate=2008-01-06|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/verification/pdfs/1970-present_OFCL_ATL_annual_trk_errors_noTDs.pdf}}</ref> ==Storms== <timeline> ImageSize = width:800 height:150 PlotArea = top:10 bottom:30 right:20 left:20 AlignBars = early DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/05/1988 till:01/12/1988 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal ScaleMinor = grid:black unit:month increment:1 start:01/05/1988 Colors = id:canvas value:gray(0.88) id:GP value:red id:TD value:rgb(0.38,0.73,1) id:TS value:rgb(0,0.98,0.96) id:C1 value:rgb(1,1,0.80) id:C2 value:rgb(1,0.91,0.46) id:C3 value:rgb(1,0.76,0.25) id:C4 value:rgb(1,0.56,0.13) id:C5 value:rgb(1,0.38,0.38) Backgroundcolors = canvas:canvas BarData = barset:Hurricane bar:Month PlotData= barset:Hurricane width:10 align:left fontsize:S shift:(4,-4) anchor:till from:30/05/1988 till:02/06/1988 color:TD text:"One" barset:break from:05/08/1988 till:08/08/1988 color:TS text:"Alberto" from:08/08/1988 till:10/08/1988 color:TS text:"Beryl" from:12/08/1988 till:15/08/1988 color:TD text:"Four" from:20/08/1988 till:31/08/1988 color:TD text:"Five" from:20/08/1988 till:23/08/1988 color:TD text:"Six" from:21/08/1988 till:30/08/1988 color:TS text:"Chris" barset:break from:31/08/1988 till:08/09/1988 color:C1 text:"Debby" from:03/09/1988 till:05/09/1988 color:TS text:"Ernesto" from:03/09/1988 till:04/09/1988 color:TD text:"Ten" from:07/09/1988 till:11/09/1988 color:C1 text:"Florence" from:07/09/1988 till:10/09/1988 color:TS text:"Unamed" from:08/09/1988 till:20/09/1988 color:C5 text:"Gilbert" barset:break from:19/09/1988 till:30/09/1988 color:C4 text:"Helene" from:27/09/1988 till:28/09/1988 color:TD text:"Fifteen" from:28/09/1988 till:01/10/1988 color:TS text:"Isaac" from:10/10/1988 till:23/10/1988 color:C4 text:"Joan" from:20/10/1988 till:21/10/1988 color:TD text:"Eighteen" barset:break from:17/11/1988 till:14/11/1988 color:TS text:"Keith" barset:skip bar:Month width:5 align:center fontsize:S shift:(0,-20) anchor:middle color:canvas from:01/05/1988 till:01/06/1988 text:May from:01/06/1988 till:01/07/1988 text:June from:01/07/1988 till:01/08/1988 text:July from:01/08/1988 till:01/09/1988 text:August from:01/09/1988 till:01/10/1988 text:September from:01/10/1988 till:01/11/1988 text:October from:01/11/1988 till:01/12/1988 text:November </timeline> <div style='text-align: center;'> '''Timeline of tropical activity in 1988 Atlantic hurricane season''' </div> ===Tropical Depression One=== {{storm path needed}} {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=TD1 30 may 1988 1251Z.jpg |Formed=[[May 30]] |Dissipated=[[June 2]] |1-min winds=30 |Pressure=1000 }} The first tropical depression of the season formed on [[May 30]] in the northwest Caribbean Sea. The system encountered unfavorable conditions as it moved northward toward [[Cuba]], and a [[Hurricane Hunters|reconnaissance airplane]] sent to investigate it could not find a well-defined center.<ref name="ap0601am"> {{cite news|title=Forecasters Watching Depression|work=Domestic News|publisher=Associated Press|date=1988-06-01|accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> The depression remained weak and degenerated on [[June 2]] into an open [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] of low pressure in the [[Florida Straits]].<ref name="TDs1988">{{cite web|url=http://ams.allenpress.com/archive/1520-0493/117/10/pdf/i1520-0493-117-10-2260.pdf|title=Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1988|accessdate=2007-03-03|author=Lixion A. Avila|coauthors=Gilbert B. Clark|year=1988|month=October|work=Monthly Weather Review|publisher=American Meteorological Society}}</ref> The depression and its precursor [[Tropical cyclogenesis#Low level disturbance|disturbance]] dropped heavy rainfall across [[Cuba]] for about one week,<ref name="ap0602pm">{{cite news|title=Storm Floods Central Cuba, Killing Four People|work=International News|publisher=Associated Press|date=1988-06-02|accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> peaking at 40.35&nbsp;inches (1025&nbsp;mm), including a daily peak of 34.13&nbsp;inches (867&nbsp;mm). Based on records dating to 1963, this was the third highest known rainfall total from a tropical cyclone in the country.<ref name="CUBARAIN">{{cite web|author=Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos|year=2003|title=Lluvias intensas observadas y grandes inundaciones reportadas|language=Spanish|accessdate=2007-02-10|url=http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm}}</ref> The rainfall most affected the province of [[Cienfuegos Province|Cienfuegos]], though the provinces of [[Villa Clara Province|Villa Clara]], [[Sancti Spíritus Province|Sancti Spíritus]], [[Ciego de Ávila Province|Ciego de Ávila]], and [[Camagüey Province|Camagüey]] were also impacted.<ref name="cubagua">{{cite web|url=http://www.hidro.cu/hidrologia1.htm|title=Características generales de los factores del régimen hidrológico de Cuba|accessdate=2007-03-03|year=2003|publisher=Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos|language=Spanish}}</ref> The depression also spawned a tornado in the city of [[Camagüey]] and destroyed five [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] planes and multiple buildings.<ref name="ap0602am">{{cite news|title=Storm Kills 14, Six Missing in Cuba|work=International News|publisher=Associated Press|date=1988-06-02|accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> Flooding prompted officials to use rescue crews, helicopters, and amphibious vehicles to evacuate 65,000&nbsp;residents in low lying areas to higher grounds.<ref name="ap0602am"/> The storm left many without power and communications, severely damaged the country's transportation infrastructure, and destroyed six&nbsp;bridges.<ref name="ap0602am"/> Flooding from the depression damaged 1,000&nbsp;houses and destroyed 200&nbsp;homes in Camagüey Province alone.<ref name="ria0608">{{cite news|title=Cuba -- Flood|publisher=The Russian Information Agency|date=1988-06-08|accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> The weather service in the province considered it the worst flooding since [[Hurricane Flora]] struck the country in [[1963 Atlantic hurricane season|1963]].<ref name="ria0603">{{cite news|title=Central Cuba Hit by Severe Floods|publisher=The Russian Information Agency|date=1988-06-03|accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> Throughout Cuba, the depression affected about 90,000&nbsp;people, injuring dozens<ref name="rwtd1">{{cite web|url=http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/OCHA-64CARH?OpenDocument|title=Cuba - Heavy Rains Jun 1988 UNDRO Information Report No. 1|accessdate=2007-03-03|date=1988-06-10|publisher=United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs}}</ref> and killing a total of 37&nbsp;people,<ref name="cubagua"/> including three who died from electrocution.<ref name="ap0602am"/> In response to the severe flooding, the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] of the [[Soviet Union]] assisted the central provinces by sending medical units, tents, blankets, and other necessary items by plane.<ref name="ria0608rlf">{{cite news|title=Relief Aid to Cuba|publisher=The Russian Information Agency|date=1988-06-08|accessdate=2007-03-03}}</ref> In [[Florida]], the depression produced light rain, including {{convert|3.18|in|mm}}&nbsp;(81&nbsp;mm) at [[Pompano Beach, Florida|Pompano Beach]].<ref name="td1rain">{{cite web|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td1of1988.html|title=Rainfall Summary for Tropical Depression One|accessdate=2007-03-03|author=David Roth|year=2006|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center}}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Alberto=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Alberto 07 aug 1988 1242Z.jpg |Track=Alberto 1988 track.png |Formed=[[August 5]] |Dissipated=[[August 8]] |1-min winds=35 |Pressure=1002 }} {{hurricane main|Tropical Storm Alberto (1988)}} 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.<ref name="mwr">{{cite web|author=Miles B. Lawrence and James M. Gross|year=1989|title=Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1988|publisher=National Hurricane Center|accessdate=2007-03-20|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1988.pdf}}</ref> An approaching weak [[Weather fronts|frontal trough]] pushed the depression northeastward and enhanced its upper level outflow. On [[August 7]] the system was designated Tropical Storm Alberto while located just south of [[Nantucket, Massachusetts]].<ref name="albertotcr1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/alberto/prelim01.gif|title=Tropical Storm Alberto Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-11|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> At 41.5°&nbsp;[[Latitude|N]] Alberto became a tropical storm further north than any other [[Atlantic hurricane|Atlantic tropical cyclone]] since reliable [[tropical cyclone observation]] began in 1941.<ref name="hurdat">{{cite web| author=NHC Hurricane Research Division|title=Atlantic hurricane best track|publisher=NOAA|year=2007|accessdate=2007-06-20|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/easyhurdat_5106.html}}</ref> The storm accelerated northeastward at {{convert|25|kn|km/h}} and struck western [[Nova Scotia]] that evening with little impact.<ref name="albertotcr1"/><ref name="chc88">{{cite web|url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/storm88.html|title=Storms of 1988|accessdate=2007-10-11|date=2003-09-18|publisher=Environment Canada}}</ref> On [[August 8]] Alberto became [[extratropical]] over the cold waters of the [[Gulf of Saint Lawrence]]. Shortly thereafter it dissipated just north of [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]]. Alberto produced light rainfall and gusty winds along its path. No significant damage associated with the system was reported.<ref name="albertotcr1"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Beryl=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Beryl 09 aug 1988 1339Z.jpg |Track=Beryl 1988 track.png |Formed=[[August 8]] |Dissipated=[[August 10]] |1-min winds=45 |Pressure=1001 }} {{hurricane main|Tropical Storm Beryl (1988)}} The third tropical depression of the season formed on [[August 7]] from a surface [[Low pressure|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.<ref name="beryltcr1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim01.gif|title=Tropical Storm Beryl Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-12|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> By [[August 8]] surface winds increased enough to issue tropical storm warnings for Louisiana to the [[Florida Panhandle]].<ref name="mwr"/> Over the open Gulf, Beryl produced sustained winds of minimal tropical storm force and tropical storm force gusts over coastal Louisiana, [[Mississippi]], and [[Alabama]].<ref name="beryltcr2">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim02.gif|title=Tropical Storm Beryl Preliminary Report (Page 2)|accessdate=2007-10-12|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> Excessive rain fell along the central Gulf Coast, including local amounts of {{convert|16|in|mm|0}} at [[Dauphin Island, Alabama]].<ref name="berylrain">{{cite web|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/beryl1988.html|title=Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Beryl|accessdate=2007-10-12|author=David Roth|year=2006|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center}}</ref> Maintaining a well structured outflow, Beryl's circulation on [[August 9]] moved over warm water, where conditions were favorable for further [[Rapid deepening|intensification]]. However, a front approached from the northwest and reversed the storm's course into southeastern Louisiana.<ref name="berylrain"/> 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 {{convert|12|in|mm|0}} of rain to parts of eastern [[Texas]]. Overall damage from the storm was light, and only one known death was attributed to the storm.<ref name="beryltcr3">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/beryl/prelim03.gif|title=Tropical Storm Beryl Preliminary Report (Page 3)|accessdate=2007-10-12|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Depression Four=== {{storm path needed}} {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=TD 4 12 aug 1988 2024Z.jpg |Formed=[[August 12]] |Dissipated=[[August 15]] |1-min winds=30 }} 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.<ref name="upi0813bc">{{cite news|title=August 13, 1988, Saturday, BC cycle|publisher=United Press International|date=1988-08-13|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref><ref name="TDs1988"/> The system spawned gusty winds and thunderstorms along the coasts of Florida and Georgia but caused little damage.<ref name="upi0813bc"/> The storm moved over south Georgia and the central Gulf Coast while dropping up to seven&nbsp;inches (178 mm) of rain on the [[Southeastern United States|Southeast]].<ref name="td4rain">{{cite web|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td4of1988.html|title=Rainfall Summary for Tropical Depression Four|accessdate=2007-10-18|author=David Roth|year=2006|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center}}</ref> According to the [[National Weather Service]], winds in some [[squalls]] to the north and east of the center reached up to {{convert|50|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="ap0813am">{{cite news|title=Depression Drifts Toward Southeast; Small Craft Advised to Stay In Port|publisher=Associated Press|date=1988-08-13|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> The system finally dissipated as it reemerged over water near the mouth of the [[Mississippi River|Mississippi]]. Early predictions from hurricane forecasters said that the depression would strengthen into the season's third tropical storm.<ref name="upi0814am">{{cite news|author=Frank T. Csongos|title=August 14, 1988, Sunday, AM cycle|publisher=United Press International|date=1988-08-14|accessdate=2007-10-15}}</ref> 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.<ref name="upi0813bc"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Depression Five=== {{storm path needed}} {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=TD 5 21 aug 1988 1701Z.jpg |Formed=[[August 20]] |Dissipated=[[August 31]] |1-min winds=30 }} 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&nbsp;days with little change in strength.<ref name="TDs1988"/> 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.<ref name="upi0820am">{{cite news|title=Two tropical depressions form|publisher=United Press International|date=1988-08-20|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref> By [[August 24]] the depression's forward speed had increased to {{convert|15|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}&nbsp;(25&nbsp;km/h) as its movement turned west. Cool ocean temperatures weakened the system and diminished its prospects for restrengthening,<ref name="ap0823am">{{cite news|title=Third Depression Forms In Tropical Atlantic|publisher=Associated Press|date=1988-08-23|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref> and on [[August 26]] Tropical Depression Five degenerated into a tropical wave. The remnants redeveloped on [[August 30]] about {{convert|180|mi|km}} southeast of [[North Carolina]],<ref name="TDs1988"/> 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 of the United States|East Coast]] on [[September 1]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Depression Six=== {{storm path needed}} {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=TD 6 21 aug 1988 2023Z.jpg |Formed=[[August 20]] |Dissipated=[[August 23]] |1-min winds=25 }} 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°&nbsp;W on [[August 19]].<ref name="kristytcr1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1988-prelim/kristy/prelim01.gif|title=Hurricane Kristy Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-11-26|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> 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.<ref name="upi0821bc">{{cite news|title=August 21, 1988, Sunday, BC cycle|work=Domestic News|publisher=United Press International|date=1988-08-21|accessdate=2007-11-26}}</ref> 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°&nbsp;W near the island of [[Jamaica]] on [[August 23]].<ref name="upi0823am">{{cite news|title=August 23, 1988, Tuesday, AM cycle|work=Domestic News|publisher=United Press International|date=1988-08-23|accessdate=2007-11-26}}</ref> The disturbance moved over Central America with minimal convection but redeveloped into [[1988 Pacific hurricane season#Hurricane Kristy|Hurricane Kristy]] once it reached the eastern Pacific.<ref name="kristytcr1"/> The system's main effect on land was squally weather on the Windward Islands.<ref name="TDs1988"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Chris=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Chris 28 aug 1988 1330Z.jpg |Track=Chris 1988 track.png |Formed=[[August 21]] |Dissipated=[[August 30]] |1-min winds=45 |Pressure=1005 }} {{hurricane main|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.<ref name="debbytcr1">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Debby Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/debby/prelim01.gif}}</ref> The storm tracked westward along the southern periphery of a subtropical high pressure ridge over the mid-Atlantic.<ref name="mwr"/> For the next seven&nbsp;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 Antilles|Lesser]] and [[Greater Antilles]] as well as the [[Bahamas]]. The depression passed south of [[Puerto Rico]] on [[August 24]] and dumped more than {{convert|14|in|mm|0}} of rain on parts of the island.<ref name="chrisrain">{{cite web|author=David Roth|year=2006|title=Rainfall Summary for Tropical Storm Chris|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center|accessdate=2007-10-13|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/chris1988.html}}</ref> Three&nbsp;deaths in Puerto Rico were attributed to the weather.<ref name="christcr2">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Tropical Storm Chris Preliminary Report (Page 2)|accessdate=2007-10-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/chris/prelim02.gif}}</ref> 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 wind and rain damage to the area.<ref name="christcr2"/> 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]].<ref name="chrisrain"/> Heavy thunderstorms spawned a tornado in South Carolina that resulted in another death.<ref name="christcr1">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Tropical Storm Chris Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/chris/prelim01.gif}}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Debby=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Debby 02 sept 1988 2138.jpg |Track=Debby 1988 track.png |Formed=[[August 31]] |Dissipated=[[September 8]] |1-min winds=65 |Pressure=987 }} {{hurricane main|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.<ref name="mwr"/> The system did not develop until the low-level center emerged from the [[Yucatán Peninsula|Yucatán]] into the [[Bay of Campeche]] on [[August 31]]. It is estimated that the storm became Tropical Depression Eight just offshore at around 12&nbsp;p.m. local time.<ref name="debbytcr1"/> 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.<ref name="debbytcr1"/> At peak intensity, the hurricane's center was just {{convert|30|mi|km}}&nbsp;(50&nbsp;km) from the coast. With little change in intensity, Debby made landfall near [[Tuxpan, Veracruz]], six&nbsp;hours later.<ref name="debbytcr1"/> The storm brought high winds, inland flooding, and mudslides and caused 10&nbsp;deaths.<ref name="debbytcr2">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Debby Preliminary Report (Page 2)|accessdate=2007-10-13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/debby/prelim02.gif}}</ref> 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, Colima|Manzanillo]] on [[September 5]]. Upon entering the [[Pacific hurricane|Eastern Pacific]], the system became [[1988 Pacific hurricane season#Tropical Depression Seventeen-E|Tropical Depression Seventeen-E]] before dissipating in the [[Gulf of California]] on {{nowrap|[[September 8]].<ref name="mwr"/>}} <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Ernesto=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Ernesto 04 sept 1988 1753Z.jpg |Track=Ernesto 1988 track.png |Formed=[[September 3]] |Dissipated=[[September 5]] |1-min winds=55 |Pressure=994 }} On [[September 2]] a cluster of thunderstorms associated with a northwestward-moving tropical wave developed a [[Tropical cyclogenesis|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]].<ref name="ernestotcr1">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/ernesto/prelim01.gif}}</ref> Under the influence of [[Westerlies|southwesterlies]], the depression accelerated northeastward at {{convert|50|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Late on [[September 3]] it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm continued to strengthen as it lost tropical characteristics.<ref name="ernestotcr3">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Tropical Storm Ernesto Preliminary Report (Page 3)|accessdate=2007-10-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/ernesto/prelim03.gif}}</ref> A large [[Extratropical cyclone|extratropical storm]] over the North Atlantic absorbed Ernesto on [[September 5]]. Throughout its life, Ernesto remained at sea and brought strong winds to the open waters of the ocean. The only land area affected by the storm was in the [[Azores]], where it brought near storm-force winds to [[Flores Island (Azores)|Flores Island]].<ref name="mwr"/> No damage or casualties were reported.<ref name="ernestotcr1"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Depression Ten=== {{storm path needed}} {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=TD 10 03 sept 1988 1439Z.jpg |Formed=[[September 3]] |Dissipated=[[September 4]] |1-min winds=30 }} 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 {{convert|160|mi|km}} west-southwest of [[Morgan City, Louisiana]].<ref name="ap0903am">{{cite news|author=Sandra Walewski|title=Tropical Depression Forms In Gulf; Tropical Storm Develops In Atlantic|work=Domestic News|publisher=Associated Press|date=1988-09-03|accessdate=2007-11-30}}</ref> Forecasters issued tropical storm warnings for the coast from [[Cameron, Louisiana]], to [[Apalachicola, Florida]], while the storm moved rapidly northeastward at 15&nbsp;to&nbsp;{{convert|20|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="TDs1988"/> 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 {{convert|40|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}, and moderate to heavy rains drenched large portions of southeast Texas and Louisiana.<ref name="TDs1988"/> The wave dampened over the next 24&nbsp;hours and brought heavy rain to the rest of the southeast, including a maximum of {{convert|8.4|in|mm}} in [[Biloxi, Mississippi]].<ref name="td10rain">{{cite web|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/td10of1988.html|title=Rainfall Summary for Tropical Depression Ten|accessdate=2007-11-30|author=David Roth|year=2006|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center}}</ref> No major damage was reported. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Florence=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Florence 09 sept 1988 2203Z.jpg |Track=Florence 1988 track.png |Formed=[[September 7]] |Dissipated=[[September 11]] |1-min winds=70 |Pressure=983 }} {{hurricane main|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.<ref name="florencetcr1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim01.gif|title=Hurricane Florence Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-28|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> 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. The depression drifted eastward under the influence of the dissipating frontal trough and intensified into Tropical Storm Florence, as confirmed by [[Hurricane Hunters]].<ref name="florencetcr1"/> 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 River Delta|Mississippi Delta]].<ref name="mwr"/> 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.<ref name="florencetcr1"/> Early in its duration the system dropped moderate amounts of rainfall across the Yucatán Peninsula.<ref name="florencerain">{{cite web|url=http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/florence1988.html|title=Rainfall Summary for Hurricane Florence|accessdate=2007-10-28|author=David Roth|year=2006|publisher=Hydrometeorological Prediction Center}}</ref> Upon striking Louisiana, storm surge water levels rose moderately above normal just east of where the center moved ashore.<ref name="florencetcr2">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim02.gif|title=Hurricane Florence Preliminary Report (Page 2)|accessdate=2007-10-28|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> Gusty winds caused power outages to more than 100,000&nbsp;people. In Alabama one&nbsp;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.<ref name="florencetcr3">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/florence/prelim03.gif|title=Hurricane Florence Preliminary Report (Page 3)|accessdate=2007-10-28|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Gilbert=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Gilbert 13 sept 1988 2117Z.jpg |Track=Gilbert 1988 track.png |Formed=[[September 8]] |Dissipated=[[September 20]] |1-min winds=160 |Pressure=888 }} {{hurricane main|Hurricane Gilbert}} The 12th tropical depression formed just east of the Lesser Antilles on [[September 8]]. As it moved west-northwest, it became Tropical Storm Gilbert over the islands on [[September 9]]. 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&nbsp;3 hurricane and brought torrential rains to the island's mountainous areas. When the center reemerged over water, Gilbert rapidly intensified again. On [[September 13]] the central pressure dropped 72&nbsp;[[millibars]] (mbar) ([[hPa]]), the fastest deepening of an Atlantic hurricane on record until [[Hurricane Wilma]].<ref name="WilmaTCR">{{cite web| author=National Hurricane Center|year=2006|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Wilma|publisher=NOAA|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL252005_Wilma.pdf| format=PDF}}</ref> Gilbert's pressure of 888&nbsp;mbar (hPa) at the time was the lowest sea level pressure ever recorded in the [[Western Hemisphere]].<ref name="gilberttcr1">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Gilbert Preliminary Report (Page 3)|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/gilbert/prelim01.gif}}</ref> Gilbert weakened slightly before landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula, although it struck at Category&nbsp;5 strength. As the eye moved over land, the storm rapidly lost strength, reemerging on [[September 15]] in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane. Hurricane Gilbert continued its northwest track and restrengthened to a minimal Category&nbsp;4 hurricane. On [[September 16]] Gilbert made its final landfall in northeast Mexico near the town of [[La Pesca]] with maximum sustained winds of {{convert|125|mi/h|km/h|abbr=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]].<ref name="gilberttcr1"/> Hurricane Gilbert was the most intense hurricane ever observed in the Atlantic basin until Hurricane Wilma broke this record in [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005]].<ref name="WilmaTCR"/> The storm caused $5&nbsp;billion (1988 USD) in damage across the Caribbean and into Central America. Gilbert was the first hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica since [[Hurricane Charlie (1951)|Hurricane Charlie]] in 1951. Until 2007's [[Hurricane Dean (2007)|Hurricane Dean]], it was also the most recent storm to make landfall as a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane in Mexico. The death toll from Gilbert was reported to be 318&nbsp;people, mostly from Mexico.<ref name="gilberttcr2">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Gilbert Preliminary Report (Page 2)|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/gilbert/prelim02.gif}}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Unnamed Tropical Storm=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Tropical Storm Six 08 sept 1988 1704Z.jpg |Track=1988 Atlantic tropical storm 6 track.png |Formed=[[September 7]] |Dissipated=[[September 10]] |1-min winds=50 |Pressure=994 }} A well-organized disturbance moved off the African coast on [[September 6]] and rapidly developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen. The NHC began issuing advisories on [[September 8]] while it was {{convert|350|mi|km}} northeast of the [[Cape Verde Islands]]. An after-the-fact review of satellite and ship reports indicated that the depression reached tropical storm-strength on [[September 7]].<ref name="unnamedtcr1">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Unnamed Tropical Storm Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/unnamed/prelim01.gif}}</ref><ref name="unnamedtcr4">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Unnamed Tropical Storm Preliminary Report (Page 4)|accessdate=2007-10-14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/unnamed/prelim04.gif}}</ref> However, because of its extreme eastern track, the storm's observational track did not include this information. For three&nbsp;days a large trough of low pressure south 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.<ref name="unnamedtcr1"/> 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.<ref name="mwr"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Helene=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Helene 23 sept 1988 1042Z.jpg |Track=Helene 1988 track.png |Formed=[[September 19]] |Dissipated=[[September 30]] |1-min winds=125 |Pressure=938 }} A well-organized tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on {{nowrap|[[September 15]].}} Showers and gusty winds were observed as the disturbance moved over the Cape Verde Islands on [[September 17]].<ref name="helenetcr1">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Helene Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/helene/prelim01.gif}}</ref> Over the following days convective activity increased over the system while strong ridging over the eastern Atlantic forced the system westward.<ref name="mwr"/> Based on satellite imagery, the system was designated a tropical depression on [[September 19]] and Tropical Storm Helene on [[September 20]]. When it reached the mid-Atlantic, Helene's track turned northwest under the influence of a major trough.<ref name="helenetcr1"/> Favorable conditions allowed the storm to deepen at a moderate rate. On [[September 21]] Helene became a hurricane over the mid-tropical Atlantic. The storm deepened further, reaching major hurricane status late on [[September 22]] and Category&nbsp;4 intensity on the following day.<ref name="helenetcr3">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Helene Preliminary Report (Page 3)|accessdate=2007-10-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/helene/prelim03.gif}}</ref> On [[September 23]] Helene turned northward under a secondary trough and continued moving in that direction for the next week. The hurricane gradually weakened to a minimal hurricane over the next several days. It approached the southern boundary of a strong jetstream on the [[September 28]], which enhanced the storm's outflow and briefly restrengthened it.<ref name="helenetcr2">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Helene Preliminary Report (Page 2)|accessdate=2007-10-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/helene/prelim02.gif}}</ref> Helene's forward speed increased to {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} on [[September 30]] as the hurricane became extratropical over the north Atlantic. Observed as a hurricane for nine days via satellite, Helene was the longest-lived hurricane of the 1988 Atlantic season.<ref name="mwr"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Depression Fifteen=== {{storm path needed}} {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=TD 15 27 sept 1988 1657Z.jpg |Formed=[[September 27]] |Dissipated=[[September 28]] |1-min winds=25 }} 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 15th tropical depression of the season while it was about {{convert|265|mi|km}} south-southeast of the [[Cape Verde Islands]].<ref name="ap0927am">{{cite news|title=Hurricane Helene Clings To Life|work=Domestic News|publisher=Associated Press|date=1988-09-27|accessdate=2007-11-30}}</ref> The depression tracked westward at 15&nbsp;to&nbsp;{{convert|20|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} but weakened rapidly. The next day it was downgraded to a tropical wave while still in the far eastern Atlantic.<ref name="TDs1988"/> The system remained far from any landmasses throughout its life. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Isaac=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Isaac 30 sept 1988 1947Z.jpg |Track=Isaac 1988 track.png |Formed=[[September 28]] |Dissipated=[[October 1]] |1-min winds=40 |Pressure=1005 }} Isaac originated as a disturbance near the western coast of Africa on [[September 23]]. The storm traveled westward at a low latitude along the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] (or ITCZ), and its convection gradually grew more organized.<ref name="isaactcr1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/isaac/prelim01.gif|title=Tropical Storm Isaac Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-21|year=1988|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> On [[September 29]] it was identified as Tropical Depression Sixteen about {{convert|900|mi|km}} southeast of [[Barbados]]. The westward path of the storm shifted two&nbsp;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.<ref name="mwr"/> 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.<ref name="mwr"/> 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.<ref name="isaactcr1"/> No damage or casualties were reported. The remnants of Isaac eventually regenerated in the eastern Pacific Ocean basin as [[1988 Pacific hurricane season#Tropical Depression Twenty-E|Tropical Depression Twenty-E]].<ref name="tc20ed1103Z">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1988/td20e/tropdisc/tcd1103z.gif|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion for 0300 UTC|accessdate=2007-10-21|date=1988-10-11|format=GIF|publisher=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Joan=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Hurricane Joan 21 oct 1988 2103Z.jpg |Track=Joan 1988 track.png |Formed=[[October 10]] |Dissipated=[[October 23]] |1-min winds=125 |Pressure=932 }} {{hurricane main|Hurricane Joan-Miriam}} On [[October 10]] the 17th tropical depression of the season organized from a disturbance in the [[ITCZ]]. For the next two&nbsp;days the system traveled northwest while it strengthened into Tropical Storm Joan.<ref name="joantcr7">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Joan Preliminary Report (Page 7)|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim07.gif}}</ref> After passing through the southern Lesser Antilles, Joan traveled westward along the [[South America]]n coast as a minimal tropical storm. It crossed the [[Guajira Peninsula]] on [[October 17]] and quickly attained hurricane strength just {{convert|30|mi|km}} 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.<ref name="joantcr2">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Joan Preliminary Report (Page 2)|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim02.gif}}</ref> Joan reached its peak intensity just before making landfall near [[Bluefields]], [[Nicaragua]], on [[October 22]] as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane. Joan at the time was the southernmost Category&nbsp;4 hurricane ever recorded, but this record has since been broken by [[Hurricane Ivan]].<ref name="IvanTCR">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=2005|title=Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ivan|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2004ivan.shtml?}}</ref> Joan remained well organized as it crossed Nicaragua and emerged in the eastern Pacific Ocean basin as [[1988 Pacific hurricane season#Tropical Storm Miriam|Tropical Storm Miriam]]. Miriam gradually weakened until dissipating on [[November 2]]. Hurricane Joan killed 148&nbsp;people in Nicaragua and 68&nbsp;others in affected nations.<ref name="joantcr3">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Joan Preliminary Report (Page 3)|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim03.gif}}</ref> The hurricane damage in Nicaragua amounted to half of the $2&nbsp;billion (1988 USD) total. Joan also brought heavy rainfall and mudslides to countries along the extreme southern Caribbean.<ref name="joantcr2"/> 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.<ref name="joantcr1">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Hurricane Joan Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/joan/prelim01.gif}}</ref> Joan was also the first tropical cyclone to cross from the Atlantic basin since [[Hurricane Greta-Olivia|Hurricane Greta]] of 1978.<ref name="noaafaqe">{{cite web|author=NOAA|year=2007|title=FAQ Part E: Tropical Cyclone Records (Page 1)|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/tcfaqE.html}}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Depression Eighteen=== {{storm path needed}} {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=TD 18 20 oct 1988 1233Z.jpg |Formed=[[October 20]] |Dissipated=[[October 21]] |1-min winds=30 }} A westward-moving tropical wave that left the coast of Africa in early October tracked closely behind Hurricane Joan through the southern Caribbean.<ref name="ap1020am">{{cite news|author=Pierre Yves-Glass|title=Locust Invasion Threatens Caribbean Crops|work=International News|publisher=Associated Press|date=1988-10-20|accessdate=2007-12-01}}</ref> In an unusual occurrence the disturbance developed into the 18th tropical depression about {{convert|500|mi|km}} 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.<ref name="upi1021pm">{{cite news|title=October 21, 1988, Friday, PM cycle|work=Domestic News|publisher=United Press International|date=1988-10-21|accessdate=2007-12-01}}</ref> The system gradually dissipated on [[October 21]] while Joan was experiencing rapid strengthening just before its arrival on the coast of Nicaragua.<ref name="joantcr2"/> The depression brought heavy rain to the [[Netherlands Antilles]].<ref name="TDs1988"/> News reports blamed Tropical Depression 18 and other tropical systems for bringing swarms of [[Desert locust|pink locusts]] from Africa to [[Trinidad]] and other Caribbean nations.<ref name="ap1020am"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Keith=== {{Infobox Hurricane Small |Basin=Atl |Image=Keith 22 nov 1988 1359Z.jpg |Track=Keith 1988 track.png |Formed=[[November 17]] |Dissipated=[[November 24]] |1-min winds=60 |Pressure=985 }} {{hurricane main|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 Sea]] and became organized enough to attain tropical storm status on [[November 20]]. Keith rapidly organized and peaked with winds of {{convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=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.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="keithtcr1">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Tropical Storm Keith Preliminary Report (Page 1)|accessdate=2008-01-07|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim01.gif}}</ref> 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.<ref name="mwr"/><ref name="keithtcr2">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Tropical Storm Keith Preliminary Report (Page 2)|accessdate=2009-01-07|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim02.gif}}</ref> Early in its duration Keith produced moderate to heavy rainfall in [[Honduras]], [[Jamaica]], and [[Cuba]].<ref name="ap1120">{{cite news|author=Patrick Reyna|date=1988-11-20|title=Late-Season Storm Forms; Cuba, Florida Likely Targets|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2007-03-22}}</ref><ref name="ap1122">{{cite news|author=Brian Murphy|date=1988-11-22|title=Storm Keith Hovers In Gulf, Could Strike Florida|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=2007-03-22}}</ref><ref name="keithtcr3">{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|year=1988|title=Tropical Storm Keith Preliminary Report (Page 3)|accessdate=2007-03-20|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/keith/prelim03.gif}}</ref> Minimal damage was reported in [[Mexico]], still recovering from the devastating effects of [[Hurricane Gilbert]] two&nbsp;months earlier.<ref name="gam1122">{{cite news|author=''The Globe and Mail (Canada)''|date=1988-11-22|title=Tropical storm Keith hits Yucatan, western Cuba|accessdate=2007-03-22}}</ref> Keith, the last of four named [[Atlantic hurricane|tropical cyclones]] to hit the [[United States]] during the season, produced moderate rainfall, a rough storm surge, and gusty winds across central [[Florida]].<ref name="mwr"/> Overall damage was widespread but fairly minor, totaling about $7.3&nbsp;million (1988&nbsp;USD, $12.7&nbsp;million 2007&nbsp;USD).<ref name="keithtcr3"/><ref name="damtotpi">{{cite news|author=Thomas C. Tobin|date=1988-12-07|title=Damage from Keith won't qualify for aid|publisher=Saint Petersburg Times|accessdate=2007-03-22}}</ref> 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.<ref name="keithtcr3"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ==Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) rating== {|class="wikitable" align=right style="margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;" |- !colspan=6|ACE (10<sup>4</sup>kt²) – Storm<ref name=hurdatace>{{cite web|author=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory|year=2006|title=Hurricane Database (HURDAT)|accessdate=2008-01-07|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/1988.htm}}</ref> |- ! 1 | 32.76 || [[Hurricane Gilbert|Gilbert]] ! 7 | 1.628 || [[Hurricane Debby (1988)|Debby]] |- ! 2 | 31.60 || Helene ! 8 | 1.288 || Ernesto |- ! 3 | 23.72 || [[Hurricane Joan-Miriam|Joan]] ! 9 | 1.050 || [[Tropical Storm Beryl (1988)|Beryl]] |- ! 4 | 4.870 || [[Tropical Storm Keith (1988)|Keith]] ! 10 | 0.490 || [[Tropical Storm Alberto (1988)|Alberto]] |- ! 5 | 3.045 || [[Hurricane Florence (1988)|Florence]] ! 11 | 0.485 || [[Tropical Storm Chris (1988)|Chris]] |- ! 6 | 1.688 || Unnamed ! 12 | 0.405 || Isaac |- !colspan=6| Total= 103.0 |} The table on the right shows the [[Accumulated Cyclone Energy|ACE]] for each storm in the season. ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of a hurricane's power multiplied by the length of time it existed. Storms that last a long time or are particularly strong have high ACEs. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34&nbsp;knots (39&nbsp;mph, 63&nbsp;km/h) or tropical storm strength. The 1988 season had a cumulative ACE of 103&nbsp;x&nbsp;10<sup>4</sup>kt<sup>2</sup><ref name=ACENOAA>{{cite web|author=Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory |year=2006|title=Subject: E11) How many tropical cyclones have there been each year in the Atlantic basin?|accessdate=2008-01-07|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/E11.html}}</ref>, which is categorized as being ''above normal'' since it is above the value of 103&nbsp;x&nbsp;10<sup>4</sup>kt<sup>2</sup> (corresponding to 117 percent of the median ACE value or 110 percent of the mean).<ref name=ACENHC>{{cite web|author=Climate Prediction Center|year=2006|title=Background Information: The North Atlantic Hurricane Season|accessdate=2008-01-07|url=http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/background_information.shtml}}</ref> ==Storm names== The following names were used for named storms that formed in the north Atlantic in 1988. The names not retired from this list were used again in the [[1994 Atlantic hurricane season|1994 season]]. This is the same list used for the [[1982 Atlantic hurricane season|1982 season]]. Storms were named Gilbert, Isaac, Joan, and Keith for the first time in 1988. Florence and Helene were not used in 1982 but had been used in previous lists. Names that were not assigned are marked in {{tcname unused}}. {| width="90%" style="clear:both;" | * [[Tropical Storm Alberto (1988)|Alberto]] * [[Tropical Storm Beryl (1988)|Beryl]] * [[Tropical Storm Chris (1988)|Chris]] * [[Hurricane Debby (1988)|Debby]] * Ernesto * [[Hurricane Florence (1988)|Florence]] * [[Hurricane Gilbert|Gilbert]] | * Helene * Isaac * [[Hurricane Joan-Miriam|Joan]] * [[Tropical Storm Keith (1988)|Keith]] * {{tcname unused|Leslie}} * {{tcname unused|Michael}} * {{tcname unused|Nadine}} | * {{tcname unused|Oscar}} * {{tcname unused|Patty}} * {{tcname unused|Rafael}} * {{tcname unused|Sandy}} * {{tcname unused|Tony}} * {{tcname unused|Valerie}} * {{tcname unused|William}} |} ===Retirement=== {{seealso|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}} The [[World Meteorological Organization]] retired two names in the spring of 1989: Gilbert and Joan. They were replaced in the [[1994 Atlantic hurricane season|1994 season]] by Gordon and Joyce. == See also == {{tcportal}} *[[List of Atlantic hurricanes]] *[[List of wettest tropical cyclones by country#Top ten known Cuban tropical cyclone rainfall totals since 1963|List of wettest tropical cyclones in Cuba since 1963]] *[[List of Atlantic hurricane seasons]] *[[1988 Pacific hurricane season]] *[[1988 Pacific typhoon season]] *[[1985-1990 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone seasons#1987-88 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season|1987–88 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season]] *[[1985-1990 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone seasons|1985–90 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone seasons]] *[[1985-1989 North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons|1985–89 North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons]] <div style="clear:both;"></div> == References == {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== {{Commonscat}} * [http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/mwreviews/1988.pdf Monthly Weather Review] * [http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/atlantic/atl1988-prelim/ Detailed information on all storms from 1988] * [http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/1988.html Information concerning U.S. rainfall from tropical cyclones in 1988] * [http://ams.allenpress.com/archive/1520-0493/117/10/pdf/i1520-0493-117-10-2260.pdf MWR article on Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1988 (including unnamed ones)] * [http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/1988.htm HURDAT archive on 1988 season] {{1988 Atlantic hurricane season buttons}} {{1980-1989 Atlantic hurricane seasons}} {{featured article}} [[Category:Atlantic hurricane seasons|1988]] [[Category:1988 Atlantic hurricane season| ]] [[de:Atlantische Hurrikansaison 1988]] [[nl:Atlantisch orkaanseizoen 1988]]