On Today's Date: Gilbert Spawns Deadly Tornadoes | Weather.com
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After setting an all-time Atlantic Basin low-pressure record (later bested by 2005’s Wilma), Hurricane Gilbert had a surprise in store.

Jonathan Erdman
ByJonathan ErdmanSeptember 17, 2025
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After setting an all-time Atlantic Basin low-pressure record (later bested by 2005’s Wilma), Hurricane Gilbert had a surprise in store.

Thirty-seven years ago this morning, what was then Tropical Storm Gilbert over northeast Mexico spawned three tornadoes in the San Antonio metro area. The first, rated F2, heavily damaged buildings at Kelly Air Force Base.

While three were injured, it could have been much worse. It struck on a Saturday morning when few base employees were there.

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The wreckage left after the Sept. 17, 1988, F2 tornado at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas.

(NWS-Austin/San Antonio)

Two other F1 tornadoes in Bexar County killed one person in a mobile home and inflicted $6 million of damage to homes and businesses. In all, Gilbert spawned 47 tornadoes over two days, 40 of which were in the Lone Star State.

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