Hurricane Debby (1988)

Last updated

Map key
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
Disc Plain black.svg Tropical cyclone
Solid black.svg Subtropical cyclone
ArrowUp.svg Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

A relatively strong tropical wave emerged into the Atlantic Ocean from the northwest coast of Africa on August 15. Moving westward, the wave split while well east of the Lesser Antilles, with a portion developing into Tropical Depression Seven on August 21, which eventually strengthened into Tropical Storm Chris. The remaining portion of the wave continued westward and reached the Caribbean Sea as a disorganized center of showers. During the night of August 29, some cloud banding developed, followed by the formation of a low-level center over the Yucatán Peninsula on August 30. Shortly after entering the Bay of Campeche on August 31, the system was given a T1.5 rating on the Dvorak scale, based on appearance on satellite imagery. As a result, the wave developed into Tropical Depression Eight at 18:00  UTC on August 31. Cloud banding and outflow patterns became further organized on September 1. The depression moved generally west-northwestward, steered by a high pressure area situated over the Eastern United States. [1]

On September 2, the depression organized significantly. Based on a reconnaissance aircraft flight and satellite imagery, it is estimated that the cyclone intensified into Tropical Storm Debby around 06:00 UTC. Later that day, another reconnaissance flight observed sustained winds of 90 mph (140 km/h) at 1,500 ft (460 m) and 80 mph (130 km/h) at the surface of the storm. At 18:00 UTC on September 2, Debby became a Category 1 hurricane while centered only about 35 mi (56 km) offshore Mexico. Six hours later, Debby made landfall about 23 mi (37 km) south of Tuxpan, Veracruz, with winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) the highest sustained wind speed associated with the storm. Debby was the first hurricane to strike the state of Veracruz since Hurricane Anna in 1956. Additionally, Debby simultaneously attained its minimum barometric pressure of 991 mbar (29.3 inHg). The hurricane rapidly weakened over the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Mexico, weakening to a tropical storm by 06:00 UTC on September 3 and falling to tropical depression intensity about 12 hours later. However, the circulation managed to remain intact and reached the Pacific Ocean between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta on September 5. [1]

Tropical Depression Seventeen-E on September 7 Img-1988-09-07-06-GOE-6-IR edited.jpg
Tropical Depression Seventeen-E on September 7

Operationally, the National Hurricane Center treated the storm as a new tropical cyclone, rather than a continuation of Debby. As a result, the system became Tropical Depression Seventeen-E, with advisories beginning at 21:00 UTC after the remnants of Debby became organized enough to be classified as such. Little movement occurred, with the depression remaining stationary off the coast of Manazillo. [2] Although the depression was a poorly-organized cyclone, the possibility that it could re-intensify into a tropical storm in the small and narrow Gulf of California existed. [3] However, due to the depression's proximity to land and increasing wind shear, the chances of the system strengthening into a tropical storm again became doubtful. [4] By September 7, the depression was under the influence of a low-level trough and weak steering currents. The depression soon became difficult to track via satellite imagery. Most of the deep convection and outflow diminished by September 8, reducing the system to a low-level swirl. The depression dissipated around 18:00 UTC, while situated in the Gulf of California between La Paz, Baja California Sur, and Culiacán, Sinaloa. [5]

Preparations and impact

Multiple tropical cyclone warnings and watches were issued in accordance with Hurricane Debby. The first was a tropical storm warning for Santa Cruz to the city of Veracruz at 12:00 UTC on September 2. About four hours later, the portion of the tropical storm warning from Santa Cruz to Punta Jerez. The remaining portion of the tropical storm warnings from Punta Jerez to Veracruz was upgraded to a hurricane warning at 18:30 UTC on September 2. The portions of the hurricane warning between Cabo Rojo and Punta Jerez as well as from Poza Rica to Veracruz were downgraded to a tropical storm warning at 22:00 UTC. All watches and warnings were discontinued at 02:30 UTC on September 3. [6] In the city of Tuxpan, the police, Mexican Army, and Red Cross were placed on standby. [7]

Rainfall totals from Hurricane Debby in Mexico Debby 1988 rainfall.png
Rainfall totals from Hurricane Debby in Mexico

Locally heavy flooding was reported in Tuxpan. [5] Streets were inundated and power outages occurred, [8] while more than 500 people lost their homes. The Tuxpan River overflowed its banks at Álamo. A local Red Cross official stated that most of the town was submerged in only a few minutes. [9] About 5,000 homes were flooded by September 3, forcing approximately 30,000 people to flee. [10] Additional flooding in the town resulted in about 8,000 people being left homeless. [11] In Poza Rica, downed tree trunks and trash caused water runoffs to be blocked. [5] Mud and rocks blocked roads and dozens were rescued from house and car flooding. [12] A number of homes built along the gullies were washed away. The Cazones River overflowed, rendering a highway connecting Tampico to Veracruz impassable. [11] The Cotaxtla River exceeded its bank in Cotaxtla, rupturing nine oil and natural gas lines. Pemex works quickly closed the pipelines. [9] In Mexico City, about 600 people fled for shelter as rivers in the area began to swell. [11] Ramón Aguirre Velázquez, the Head of Government of Mexico City, described the rainfall as the heaviest in 20 years. [13]

A total of 20 deaths were attributed to Hurricane Debby, with 10 fatalities in the state of Veracruz alone. [14] Three were caused by a landslide in Papalanta that crushed two homes. Three other storm-related deaths were reported with house-crushing landslides in Poza Rica. Four people died and sixteen were injured in Ixtlahuaco a town in Hidalgo about 100 mi (160 km) northeast of Mexico City when a mudslide crushed three homes. [12]

The combined effects of Debby and Hurricane Kristy, which impacted Mexico's Pacific coast around the same time, rendered about 50,000 people homeless. Emergency crews worked to provide shelter for those left homeless. [12] Relief supplies were delivered by boat to towns isolated by floodwaters. [11] Local health officials in Mexico City warned of the possibility of outbreaks of hepatitis, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases. In response to the threat, homes located in the northern portions of the city near the Río de los Remedios were fumigated. [13]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1988 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

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. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Joan–Miriam</span> Category 4 Atlantic and Pacific hurricane in 1988

Hurricane Joan was a long lived and powerful tropical cyclone that caused death and destruction in over a dozen countries in the Caribbean and Central America. Moving on a due west course for nearly two weeks in October 1988, Hurricane Joan caused widespread flooding and over 200 deaths after moving into Central America. Widespread suffering and economic crises were exacerbated by Joan, primarily across Nicaragua, as heavy rains and high winds impacted those near the hurricane's path.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Diana</span> Category 2 Atlantic and Pacific hurricane in 1990

Hurricane Diana was a deadly tropical cyclone which landfall Mexico in August 1990. The fourth named storm and second hurricane of the season, Diana developed from a tropical wave in the southwestern Caribbean on August 4. Forming as a tropical depression, the system brushed Honduras before intensifying into a tropical storm the following day. Continuing to gradually strengthen, Diana made its first landfall in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula as a strong tropical storm late on August 5. The cyclone weakened slightly due to land interaction, before emerging into the Bay of Campeche on August 6. Once over water, warm sea surface temperatures allowed Diana to quickly become a hurricane and later peak as a Category 2 on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale on August 7. Shortly thereafter, the storm made landfall near Tampico, Tamaulipas, with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h). Rapid weakening ensued once the storm moved over the high terrain of Mexico, with Diana diminishing to a tropical depression roughly 24 hours after moving onshore. The cyclone later emerged into the Gulf of California on August 9 shortly before dissipating. The remnant disturbance was monitored until losing its identity over Arizona on August 14.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1988 Pacific hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Pacific Ocean

The 1988 Pacific hurricane season was the least active Pacific hurricane season since 1981. It officially began May 15, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, in the central Pacific and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first named storm, Tropical Storm Aletta, formed on June 16, and the last-named storm, Tropical Storm Miriam, was previously named Hurricane Joan in the Atlantic Ocean before crossing Central America and re-emerging in the eastern Pacific; Miriam continued westward and dissipated on November 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Bret (2005)</span> Atlantic tropical storm

Tropical Storm Bret was a short-lived tropical storm in June 2005 that had damaging effects in Veracruz, Mexico. The second named storm of the season, Bret quickly developed from a tropical wave on June 28 in the Bay of Campeche. Failing to intensify beyond minimal tropical storm intensity, the system made landfall in Veracruz the following day. It rapidly weakened once onshore, dissipating early on June 30. The storm brought heavy rainfall to Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas with the former suffering the brunt of the impacts. Approximately 11,000 people were adversely affected by widespread flooding. A total of 2,129 homes were damaged and 25 were destroyed, mostly in the city of Naranjos. Three people were killed in storm-related incidents and total losses exceeded 100 million pesos (US$9.3 million). The Government of Veracruz declared emergencies for nine municipalities and released tens of millions of pesos in relief aid in conjunction with national agencies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Dolly (1996)</span> Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 1996

Hurricane Dolly caused flooding throughout Mexico in August 1996. The fourth named storm and third hurricane of the season, Dolly developed from a tropical wave to the west-southwest of Jamaica on August 19. Initially a tropical depression, the system strengthened into a tropical storm about twelve hours later. Dolly headed westward and intensified into a Category 1 hurricane late on August 20. It then made landfall near Chetumal, Quintana Roo. The system weakened to a tropical depression on August 21. Later that day or early on August 22, Dolly emerged into the Bay of Campeche and quickly re-strengthened into a tropical storm. The storm deepened further and was upgraded to a hurricane again by midday on August 23; Dolly simultaneously peaked with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h). Around that time, it struck between Tuxpan, Veracruz, and Tampico, Tamaulipas. Dolly quickly weakened to a tropical depression early on August 24, but remained intact while crossing Mexico and dissipated over the eastern Pacific Ocean on August 25.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Lorenzo (2007)</span> Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 2007

Hurricane Lorenzo was a rapidly developing tropical cyclone that struck the Mexican state of Veracruz in late September 2007. The twelfth named storm and fifth hurricane of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, it formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico from a tropical wave. After meandering for two days without development, the storm began a steady westward track as its structure became better organized. In an 18‑hour period, Lorenzo's winds increased from 35 mph (55 km/h) to 80 mph (130 km/h), or from a tropical depression to a hurricane. On September 28 it struck near Tecolutla, Veracruz, a month after Hurricane Dean affected the same area, before it quickly dissipated over land.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Marco (2008)</span> Atlantic tropical cyclone

Tropical Storm Marco was the smallest tropical cyclone on record by radius of winds from center. The thirteenth named storm of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season, Marco developed out of a broad area of low pressure over the northwestern Caribbean during late September 2008. Influenced by a tropical wave on October 4, a small low-level circulation center developed over Belize. After crossing the southern end of the Yucatán Peninsula and emerging into the Bay of Campeche, the low was declared Tropical Depression Thirteen early on October 6. The depression quickly intensified into a tropical storm and was given the name Marco later that day. Marco reached its peak intensity with winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) early on October 7. Around this time, tropical storm force winds extended 11.5 miles (18.5 km) from the center of the storm, making Marco the smallest tropical cyclone on record. Around 1200 UTC, Marco made landfall near Misantla, Veracruz. The storm rapidly weakened after landfall, dissipating later that day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the 1988 Atlantic hurricane season</span>

The 1988 Atlantic hurricane season was an event in the annual Atlantic hurricane season in the north Atlantic Ocean. It was an active season during which twelve tropical cyclones formed. The season officially began on June 1, 1988 and ended November 30, 1988. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most systems form.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Hermine (1980)</span> Atlantic tropical storm in 1980

Tropical Storm Hermine caused significant flooding in Mexico during September 1980. The eleventh tropical cyclone and eight named storm of the 1980 Atlantic hurricane season, Hermine developed from a tropical wave that emerged into the Atlantic from the west coast of Africa on September 11. After uneventfully crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the system developed a well-defined circulation while in the Caribbean Sea on September 20 and was then classified as a tropical depression. After becoming a tropical cyclone, the depression steadily strengthened as it tracked nearly due westward. By September 21, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Hermine and brushed the northern coast of Honduras shortly thereafter. It nearly became a hurricane before it made landfall in Belize on September 22. After weakening over the Yucatan Peninsula, Hermine restrengthened to near-hurricane status again over the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Hermine steadily weakened inland and eventually dissipated on September 26.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 Atlantic hurricane season</span> Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean

The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season was a well below average Atlantic hurricane season in terms of the number of hurricanes. It was the first since 1994 with no major hurricanes, Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale, and the first in the satellite era where no hurricanes reached Category 2 strength. Altogether, the season produced 15 tropical cyclones, of which all but one became a named storm. The season officially began on June 1, 2013, and ended on November 30, 2013. These dates historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the North Atlantic and are adopted by convention. The first storm of the season, Andrea, developed on June 5, while the last, an unnamed subtropical storm, dissipated on December 7. Throughout the year, only two storms, Humberto and Ingrid, reached hurricane strength; this was the lowest seasonal total since 1982.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Agatha (1992)</span> Pacific tropical storm in 1992

Tropical Storm Agatha was the deadliest tropical cyclone to form during the 1992 Pacific hurricane season, killing 10 people as it passed offshore Mexico. The third named storm of the record-breaking season, Agatha developed as a tropical depression off the Pacific coast of Mexico on June 1. The storm gradually organized over the next several hours. As it moved northward, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Agatha later that day. After reaching its peak winds as a strong tropical storm, Agatha steadily weakened while turning to the west. The system was downgraded to a tropical depression on June 5, and subsequently lost its tropical characteristics the next day. Although Agatha never made landfall, the storm's outer rainbands triggered widespread flooding that killed ten people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Nate (2011)</span> Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 2011

Hurricane Nate was a hurricane that caused minor damage in southeastern Mexico in mid-September 2011. The fourteenth named storm and fourth hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, Nate originated from a frontal trough in the Bay of Campeche on September 7. Within a weak steering environment, the storm meandered southwestward while gradually gaining strength. Though classified as a tropical storm operationally, data during a post-season review indicated that Nate briefly attained Category 1 hurricane status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale on September 8. As a result of its slow motion, the storm caused significant upwelling, leading to a marked decrease in convection, and weakening accordingly. On September 11, Nate moved ashore Mexico as a tropical storm, producing several inches of rainfall and damaging several hundred structures. Ten oil rig workers went missing; seven were rescued, but one died of an unknown cause, and three other bodies were later recovered. In Veracruz, a boy was killed after being struck by lightning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Fernand (2013)</span> Atlantic tropical storm in 2013

Tropical Storm Fernand was a short-lived but deadly tropical cyclone that struck parts of Veracruz state, Mexico, causing flash flooding and landslides. The sixth tropical storm of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season, Fernand developed from the merger of two tropical waves that had moved off the coast of Africa in the Bay of Campeche on August 25. Quickly organizing, the cyclone strengthened into a tropical storm and eventually made landfall on the coast of Mexico as a moderate to strong tropical storm. Fernand persisted for another day inland before dissipating over the mountainous terrain of the country. During its relatively short lifespan, Fernand caused numerous flash floods in its wake which resulted in the deaths of 14 people in and around the areas of Veracruz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Ingrid</span> Category 1 Atlantic hurricane in 2013

Hurricane Ingrid was one of two tropical cyclones, along with Hurricane Manuel, to strike Mexico within a 24-hour period, the first such occurrence since 1958. Ingrid was the ninth named storm and second hurricane of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed on September 12 in the Gulf of Mexico from a broad disturbance that also spawned Manuel in the eastern Pacific. After initially moving westward toward Veracruz, Ingrid turned northeastward away from the coast. Favorable conditions allowed it to attain hurricane status on September 14, and the next day Ingrid attained peak winds of 140 km/h (85 mph). Subsequently, increased wind shear weakened the convection as the storm turned more to the northwest and west. On September 16, Ingrid made landfall just south of La Pesca, Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico as a strong tropical storm, and dissipated the next day. The hurricane was also the last one to form in the Gulf of Mexico until Hurricane Hermine in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Dolly (2014)</span> Atlantic tropical storm in 2014

Tropical Storm Dolly was a short-lived and disorganized tropical cyclone that caused moderate damage across Tamaulipas, Mexico, in early September 2014. Originating from a tropical wave, the system first became a tropical depression late on September 1 while situated over the Bay of Campeche. Dolly struggled against strong wind shear for the duration of its existence. The large system featured multiple circulations, sometimes becoming a new dominant center and other times simply rotating around a mean vortex. As a result, multiple center relocations occurred along its general west-northwest track. Dolly eventually made landfall in Tamaulipas on September 3 before degenerating into a remnant low. The system subsequently dissipated the following day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Marty (2015)</span> Pacific tropical cyclone in 2015

Hurricane Marty was a tropical cyclone that produced heavy rains and flooding in several states in Southwestern and Western Mexico. The twentieth named storm and twelfth hurricane of the annual hurricane season, Marty developed from a tropical wave on September 26, 2015, to the southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, in Mexico. Initially a tropical depression, the system strengthened into a tropical storm early on the following day. Due to favorable atmospheric conditions, Marty continued to intensify, but wind shear sharply increased as the storm approached a large mid- to upper-level trough. Despite this, the cyclone deepened further, becoming a hurricane on September 28 and peaking with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) shortly thereafter. Wind shear quickly took its toll on the hurricane, weakening it to a tropical storm early on September 29. About 24 hours later, Marty degenerated into a post-tropical low-pressure area offshore Guerrero. The low further degenerated into a trough later on September 30, and eventually dissipated on October 4.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Katia (2017)</span> Category 2 hurricane in North Atlantic in 2017

Hurricane Katia was a strong Atlantic hurricane which became the most intense storm to hit the Bay of Campeche since Karl in 2010. The eleventh named storm and sixth hurricane of the exceptionally active 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, Katia originated on September 5, out of a broad low-pressure area that formed in the Bay of Campeche. Located in an area of weak steering currents, Katia meandered around in the region, eventually intensifying into a hurricane on September 6. The nascent storm eventually peaked as a 105 mph (165 km/h) Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale while it began to move southwestward. However, land interaction began to weaken the hurricane as it approached the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Early on September 9, Katia made landfall near Tecolutla at minimal hurricane intensity. The storm quickly dissipated several hours later, although its mid-level circulation remained intact and later spawned what would become Hurricane Otis in the Eastern Pacific.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Grace</span> Category 3 Atlantic hurricane in 2021

Hurricane Grace was the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Grace impacted much of the Leeward Islands and Greater Antilles as a tropical storm, before causing more substantial impacts in the Yucatán Peninsula and Veracruz as a hurricane. It was the seventh named storm, second hurricane, and first major hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Originating from a tropical wave in the Main Development Region, the primitive system tracked west-northwest across the Atlantic Ocean towards the Antilles, becoming a tropical depression on August 14. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Grace later the same day, but weakened back to a depression due to an unfavorable environment. After moving near Haiti as a tropical depression, it strengthened back to a tropical storm and became a hurricane on August 18, reaching an initial peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a pressure of 986 mbar (29.12 inHg). It weakened back to a tropical storm after its landfall in the Yucatán Peninsula and emerged into the Bay of Campeche, entering a very favorable environment for intensification hours later. Grace then rapidly intensified into a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph (190 km/h) in about 24 hours. The storm made its final landfall in the state of Veracruz at peak intensity and quickly degenerated into a remnant low over mainland Mexico on August 21; however, its remnants later regenerated into Tropical Storm Marty in the Eastern Pacific on August 23.

References

  1. 1 2 Harold P. Gerrish (November 27, 1998). Preliminary Report Hurricane Debby (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 1. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  2. Harold P. Gerrish (September 6, 1988). "Tropical Depression Discussion Tropical Depression Seventeen-E". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  3. Gilbert B. Clark (September 7, 1988). "Tropical Depression Discussion Tropical Depression Seventeen-E". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  4. James M. Gross (September 7, 1988). "Tropical Depression Discussion Tropical Depression Seventeen-E". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 Harold P. Gerrish (November 27, 1998). Preliminary Report Hurricane Debby (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 2. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  6. Harold P. Gerrish (November 27, 1988). Table 2. Warnings issued by the Government of Mexico for Debby, September 1988 (Report). National Hurricane Center. p. 3. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  7. "Mexico hit by hurricane - Debby causes power outages, floods streets". Houston Chronicle . September 3, 1988. p. 1 via NewsBank.
  8. "Storms Force Thousands to Flee". New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung . Associated Press. September 4, 1988. p. 2. Retrieved April 30, 2017 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  9. 1 2 "Mexicans Flee Floods and Coastal Mudslides". The Salina Journal . Associated Press. September 4, 1988. p. 11. Retrieved May 2, 2017 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. "Storms Force Thousands to Flee". New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Associated Press. September 4, 1988. p. 1. Retrieved April 30, 2017 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. 1 2 3 4 "28 dead in Mexico floods". The Daily News . Associated Press. September 6, 1988. p. 1. Retrieved April 30, 2017 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  12. 1 2 3 "Storms leave 50,000 homeless in Mexico". Philadelphia Inquirer. Associated Press. September 5, 1988. Retrieved March 20, 2007.
  13. 1 2 David Kirby (September 6, 1988). "Rains, flooding, continue to plague mexico". United Press International via NewsBank.
  14. "Mexico floods kill at least 20, officials say". Dallas News. Reuters. September 5, 1988. Retrieved March 20, 2007.
Hurricane Debby
Tropical Depression Seventeen-E
Debby 1988-09-02 1846Z.png
Debby at peak intensity shortly before landfall in Veracruz on September 2