Tropical Storm Odette

Waves hit the Malecon of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Dec. 6, 2003. Tropical Storm Odette gathered strength and speed as it took aim at the Dominican Republic, packing 65-mph winds.

An unidentified man surfs at Guibia Beach in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Dec. 6, 2003, taking advantage of waves generated by the winds of tropical storm Odette. Odette was the first recorded tropical storm to form in the Caribbean in December, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Mileiby Mercedes Gonzalez removes mud after Tropical Storm Odette flooded her home in Yaguate, San Cristobal, 19 miles east of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Dec. 7, 2003. Odette dissipated over the Atlantic after lashing the Dominican Republic with torrential rains, prompting thousands to flee their homes and leaving at least two dead.

Vladimir Agramonte, left, and Francisco Ramrez, right, help their brothers load belongings onto a truck after their house was flooded by rains from Tropical Storm Odette in Yaguate, Dominican Republic, Dec. 7, 2003.

Sandra Acevedo walks among the objects of her house, devastated by Tropical Storm Odette in Yaguate, Dominican Republic Dec. 7, 2003.

Residents of the Gurabo river banks evacuate their homes before the arrival of Tropical Storm Odette in Santiago, north central Dominican Republic, Dec. 6, 2003.

A boy watches the waves on Santo Domingos Malecon, on Dec. 6, 2003 in the Dominican Republic.