Hurricane Gilbert, which emerged from a tropical wave on September 3, 1988, became one of the most extraordinary hurricanes of the 20th century. It rapidly intensified as it moved westward across the Caribbean, reaching Category 5 with peak winds of 185 mph and a record-setting minimum pressure of 888 millibars, making it the most intense Atlantic hurricane at the time.
Gilbert wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, most notably in Jamaica where it caused extensive devastation on September 12. The storm destroyed infrastructure, homes, and the agricultural sector, leaving an indelible mark on the island. Following its catastrophic impact in Jamaica, Gilbert continued on its destructive path, making landfalls on the Yucatán Peninsula and mainland Mexico. Each landfall brought significant storm surges, powerful winds, and extensive flooding.
The aftermath of Gilbert was profound, with considerable economic disruptions in tourist areas such as Cancún and Cozumel and ecological damage including deforestation and beach erosion. The legacy of Hurricane Gilbert underscores the immense power of such natural events and the critical importance of preparedness and effective response strategies to mitigate their impact.
Gilbert was a Category 5 Hurricane.
Hurricane Gilbert occurred during the Atlantic Hurricane Season 1988.
The highest wind speed of Hurricane Gilbert was 160 mph.
The lowest pressure of Hurricane Gilbert was 888 mb.
Hurricane Gilbert formed on 09/08/1988 18:00 Z.
View the animated path of Hurricane Gilbert above.