Hurricane Gilbert left an indelible mark upon hurricane history during thesecond week in September back in 1988.On September 12, the eye of Gilbert crossed the island of Jamaica, whichweathered the battering of winds to 125 mph. By the time the storm left theisland, about 45 people were dead and $4 billion (1988 dollars) was wrought.
On September 13, Gilbert strengthened explosively. First, it tore throughCayman Islands as a Category 4 hurricane.
Before evening, the pressure caved to 888 millibars, or 26.22 inches ofmercury, as topped winds rose to 185 mph. The central pressure fell 72millibars within 24 hours, a staggering rate of intensification.
Thus, not only did Gilbert gain Category 5 status, it become the strongestknown Atlantic basin hurricane at the time. Only Wilma, of October, 2005, had alower measured central pressure.
Later in its life cycle, Gilbert went on rake Mexico--twice. Landfall oneastern Yucatan took place on the 14th, then came a final landfall off the Gulfof Mexico in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas on the 16th.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews
