Hurricane Gert (2017)
Hurricane Gert was a Category 2 hurricane that developed in the open Atlantic Ocean in August 2017. It was the seventh named storm and second hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. Gert did not make landfall but produced large swells and dangerous rip currents along the East Coast of the United States and Atlantic Canada.
Formation and Track:
Gert originated from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa in mid-August. The wave gradually organized as it moved westward across the Atlantic. By August 12, a tropical depression formed, and it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Gert later that day. Gert continued to intensify over warm waters and in an environment of low wind shear, becoming a hurricane on August 14. It reached its peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) on August 15. After reaching peak intensity, Gert began to weaken as it moved over cooler waters and encountered increasing wind shear. It transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on August 17.
Impact:
Although Hurricane Gert remained over the open ocean, it generated significant swells that affected the East Coast of the United States from North Carolina to Maine, as well as Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. These swells resulted in dangerous rip currents and beach erosion. Several beaches were closed, and numerous rescues were performed due to rip currents. There were no reported deaths directly attributed to Gert, though hazardous marine conditions were present.
Meteorological History:
- August 12: Tropical Depression Seven forms in the central Atlantic.
- August 12: Tropical Depression Seven strengthens into Tropical Storm Gert.
- August 14: Gert intensifies into a Category 1 hurricane.
- August 15: Gert reaches its peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane.
- August 17: Gert transitions into an extratropical cyclone.
Related Storms:
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was particularly active and included several significant hurricanes, such as Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria.