Hurricane Gustav (1990)
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | August 24, 1990 |
Dissipated | September 3, 1990 |
Category 3 hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 120 mph (195 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 956 mbar (hPa); 28.23 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | None |
Damage | Minimal |
Areas affected | Lesser Antilles |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1990 Atlantic hurricane season |
Hurricane Gustav was the only major hurricane that formed during the 1990 Atlantic hurricane season.[1] Developing out of a tropical wave on August 24, Gustav tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean, steadily intensifying. The storm reached hurricane-status on August 26 and reached its initial peak intensity as a strong Category 2 hurricane the following day. After turning towards the north and weakening due to increased wind shear, the storm encountered more favorable conditions and re-intensified, attaining peak winds of 120 mph (190 km/h) around 0600 UTC on August 31. Gradual weakening took place in the following days. on September 2, the former hurricane underwent an extratropical transition and dissipated shortly after completing it. At that time, the system was located roughly 230 miles (370 km) south of Iceland.
Hurricane Gustav initially posed a significant threat to the Lesser Antilles which had already suffered severe damages from Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Several watches and warnings were issued for the islands between August 26 and 27; however, due to the northward turn, Gustav did not directly impact the region. Only light rain and large swells were reported. Offshore, a ship encountered the storm and sustained hull damage.
Meteorological history
Hurricane Gustav originated out of a tropical wave that moved off the western coast of Africa on August 18. Shortly after, the system became embedded within the Intertropical Convergence Zone and tracked westward across the Atlantic Ocean. By August 23, the system began to intensify while convective activity become consolidated around the center of circulation. By 0600 UTC on August 24, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) estimated that the wave spawned Tropical Depression Eight roughly 965 miles (1,553 km) east of Barbados. A weak ridge of high pressure to the north of the depression led to a general westward movement of the system. Gradually strengthening, the depression was upgraded to a tropical storm early on August 25, at which time it was given the name Gustav.[2]
A
Tracking towards the north, Hurricane Gustav slightly weakened due to increasing
Throughout September 1, the storm weakened and the following day, it began to track towards the north-northeast as the ridge located to the east of it strengthened. Additionally, nearby ship reports of sustained winds indicated that tropical storm-force winds extended 230 miles (370 km) northwest of the center of circulation. The trough located west of Gustav began accelerating late on September 2, causing the hurricane to track towards the northeast, away from Newfoundland.[5] Around 1800 UTC, Gustav weakened to a tropical storm, as winds decreased to 70 mph (110 km/h).[3] By this time, Gustav had entered the Canadian Hurricane Centres area of responsibility, leading to them initiating advisories on the weakening storm.[6] Early the next day, the former hurricane underwent and completed an extratropical transition. The last notice on the remnants of Gustav were while the system was located roughly 230 miles (370 km) south of Iceland.[5]
Preparations and impact
At around 1600 UTC on August 26, the
Gustav had only effects on the Lesser Antilles. Large swells, light rain, and gusty winds were reported along the outer fringes of the hurricane.
See also
- Other storms named Gustav
References
- ^ National Hurricane Center (2009). "Atlantic Best Tracks, 1851 to 2008". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
- ^ a b c d Hal Gerrish (1991). "Hurricane Gustav Preliminary Report Page 1". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e Hal Gerrish (1991). "Hurricane Gustav Preliminary Report Page 7". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ^ a b Staff Writer (August 27, 1990). "Gustav spares northeast Caribbean". United Press International.
- ^ a b c d Hal Gerrish (1991). "Hurricane Gustav Preliminary Report Page 2". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ^ Staff Writer (September 18, 2003). "Storms of 1990". Canadian Hurricane Centre. Archived from the original on May 13, 2006. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ^ a b Hal Gerrish (1991). "Hurricane Gustav Preliminary Report Page 8". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ^ Staff Writer (August 27, 1990). "Gustav upgraded to hurricane". The Gleaner. Retrieved June 1, 2009.[dead link]
- ^ Staff Writer (August 27, 1990). "Hurricane Warnings Come Down As Storm Heads Past Islands". Associated Press.
- ^ "Gustav moves past Caribbean islands". Gainesville Sun. Associated Press. August 28, 1990. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- ^ Staff Writer (September 4, 1990). "Casualties". Lloyd's List.
- ^ Dr. C.P. Summerhayes (1990). "Cruise Report Number 218" (PDF). Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory. Retrieved June 1, 2009.[dead link]
External links