a tropical wave emerged into the atlantic from the west coast of africa in late july 1995 and entered the gulf of mexico on august 8. on the following day, the system developed a weak low-level circulation and was declared tropical depression eight while in the western gulf of mexico. the depression quickly intensified into tropical storm gabrielle on august 10. gabrielle continued to rapidly strengthen as it tracked toward the coast of mexico, nearly becoming a hurricane late on august 11. however, gabrielle made landfall near la pesca, tamaulipas, mexico two hours later, which prevented further strengthening. gabrielle rapidly weakened inland and dissipated early on august 12.