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. Category 4 hurricane: peak winds of 145 mph (125 knots), lowest pressure 932 mb. October 10 – October 23, 1988. Landfalls: October 15 at 50 mph, 12.1°N 61.8°W; October 17 at 65 mph, 12.0°N 71.2°W; October 22 at 145 mph, 11.9°N 83.7°W. Accumulated cyclone energy: 23.7. Wiki link Track: NOAA National Hurricane Center, HURDAT2 best track AL111988 (public domain).