Hurricane Bertha (2008)
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | July 3, 2008 |
Extratropical | July 20, 2008 |
Dissipated | July 21, 2008 |
Category 3 major hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 125 mph (205 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 952 mbar (hPa); 28.11 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 3 direct |
Damage | Minimal |
Areas affected | East Coast of the United States, Bermuda |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season |
Hurricane Bertha was the longest-lived Atlantic
Meteorological history
On July 1, the
On the southern periphery of a mid-level ridge over the open Atlantic, Bertha moved swiftly west-northwest to northwest for several days.[3] Despite being embedded within an environment of low vertical wind shear, the storm passed over ocean temperatures near 77 °F (25 °C), and its overall appearance was characterized by intermittent bursts of deep convection near the center.[5] Eventually, by late on July 5, Bertha began to enter warmer waters and gain organization.[6] Convection coalesced throughout July 6, and a series of microwave passes later that day indicated the formation of an eye-like feature, despite some tilt to Bertha's low- and mid-level circulations.[7] Rapid deepening ensued as the aforementioned eye became readily apparent and convection in the eyewall cooled;[8] Bertha became the season's first hurricane around 06:00 UTC on July 7, and by 21:00 UTC that afternoon, attained its peak as a Category 3 major hurricane with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 952 mbar (hPa; 28.12 inHg).[4]
The cyclone's rapid intensification phase was equaled by a rapid weakening phase almost immediately after peak intensity,[9] and Bertha fell to minimal hurricane intensity by 06:00 UTC on July 9 under the influence of strong wind shear. These unfavorable winds quickly slackened, allowing Bertha to regain Category 2 intensity by 18:00 UTC that day, before the hurricane began an eyewall replacement cycle. A weak steering regime directed the storm just east of Bermuda as it weakened to a tropical storm on July 13, and a large upper-level low over the central Atlantic steered it east and southeast.[4] After generally maintaining its strength for several days, an eye redeveloped and convection became more symmetric about the feature on July 18,[10] prompting the NHC to upgrade Bertha to a hurricane around 18:00 UTC that day.[4] The storm rapidly accelerated ahead of a trough off the East Coast of the United States, forcing Bertha into rapidly cooler waters. Its wind field became extremely asymmetric and deep convection near the center dissipated,[11] indicative of an extratropical transition that Bertha completed by 12:00 UTC on July 20. The post-tropical cyclone continued northeast and merged with a larger mid-latitude low near Iceland the next day.[4]
Preparations, impact, and records
As a tropical storm, Bertha dropped rainfall over the southern Cape Verde islands. No damages or deaths were reported.[12]
On July 7, Bermuda residents began purchasing lamps, tarpaulins and flashlights in anticipation of Hurricane Bertha. In the sudden rush, some stores sold out of batteries.[13] The Emergency Measures Organisation urged the public to monitor forecasts and remain away from beaches.[14] The Bermuda Weather Service, meanwhile, hoisted tropical cyclone warnings and watches for the island upon its approach.[4] On July 10, the Department of Parks placed high surf warning signs along the South Shore beaches as Bertha sent strong waves ahead of its path. Barricades were erected at all of the island's beaches, which were closed to swimming and watersports.[15]
All flights into and out of Bermuda were disrupted on July 14 as the storm made its final approach to the island.
The hurricane produced strong waves and rip currents along the East Coast of the United States, which caused three deaths along the coastline of New Jersey. On July 12, a 51-year-old man died after suddenly losing consciousness during his rescue. On July 13, three men swam out to a buoy about 300 ft (91.4 m) off the coast of Wildwood Beach when they were overcome by the rough surf. One swimmer was found unconscious in the water and pronounced dead at the scene, the second was never found and presumed dead, and the third was rescued. During the event, a total of 57 people had to be rescued along the coast of New Jersey.[20] Three rip currents also caused 55 injuries throughout beaches in Delaware. The injuries ranged from minor scrapes to broken bones.[21] Four people were also injured in North Carolina, one of which nearly drowned as he had aspirated water shortly before a lifeguard rescued him. At least 60 people had to be rescued from the rough seas over a two-day span.[22]
Lasting 17 days, Hurricane Bertha holds the records for the longest-lived July Atlantic tropical cyclone on record.[4] It also set the record for the easternmost-forming tropical storm during the month, at 24.7°W.[23]
See also
- Other tropical cyclones of the same name
- List of Atlantic hurricanes
- List of Bermuda hurricanes
- List of wettest tropical cyclones by country
- Timeline of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season
- Hurricane Bill (2009)
References
- ^ Eric S. Blake (July 1, 2008). "Tropical Weather Outlook" (TXT). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Eric S. Blake (July 2, 2008). "Tropical Weather Outlook" (TXT). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ a b c Eric S. Blake (July 3, 2008). Tropical Depression Two Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Jamie R. Rhome (October 15, 2008). Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Bertha (PDF) (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. pp. 1, 2, 4, 5. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Daniel P. Brown (July 4, 2008). Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 6 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Jamie R. Rhome (July 6, 2017). Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 12 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
- ^ Daniel P. Brown (July 6, 2008). Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 15 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Jamie R. Rhome (July 7, 2008). Hurricane Bertha Discussion Number 19 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Jamie R. Rhome (July 8, 2008). Hurricane Bertha Discussion Number 23 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Eric S. Blake (July 18, 2008). Hurricane Bertha Discussion Number 63 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Richard J. Knabb; Eric S. Blake (July 20, 2008). Tropical Storm Bertha Discussion Number 70 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Jamie R. Rhome (July 3, 2008). Tropical Storm Bertha Public Advisory Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ "Bermuda feeling Hurricane Bertha's swells". United Press International. July 10, 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Rob Gutro. "Hurricane Bertha Bringing Dangerous Surf to Bermuda". National Aeronautic and Space Administration. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ a b Amanda Dale (July 14, 2008). "Bertha loses strength". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ "Bertha batters Bermuda". ABC News. 2008-07-15. Retrieved 2021-01-04.
- ^ "Bertha threat hits Bermuda flights". Express.co.uk. 2008-07-14. Retrieved 2021-01-04.
- ^ "Tropical Storm Bertha speeds away from Bermuda". Reuters. July 15, 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Roth, David M. (January 3, 2023). "Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Data. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved January 6, 2023. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ New Jersey Event Report: Rip Current (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Delaware Event Report: Rip Current (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ North Carolina Event Report: Rip Current (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
- ^ Jeff Masters (July 3, 2008). "Tropical Storm Bertha forms—and sets a record". Weather Underground. Retrieved June 28, 2017.