Missing a record for being the latest first Atlantic hurricane in the satellite era by just a few hours, Hurricane Humberto developed early Wednesday, according to AIR Worldwide, which also reported on the effects of tropical storm Gabrielle.
According to Dr. Tim Doggett, senior principal scientist at AIR Worldwide this morning, Gustav holds the record for being the latest first Atlantic hurricane. Gustav developed at 8.a.m. EDT, September 11, 2002,” AIR said in a statement.
“Humberto developed maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph) to just barely qualify as a hurricane,” Doggett said, noting that it was moving north-northwestward at 13 km/h (8 mph) and was located in the far Eastern Atlantic.
“It is not expected to come near land and should weaken after about a day when it encounters increased wind shear, cooler waters, and drier air,” he said.
Meanwhile, monitoring the progress of Gabrielle, AIR said the storm’s center came within 65 km (40 miles) west-southwest of Bermuda on Wednesday morning.
Scott Stransky, senior scientist at AIR Worldwide, said the storm was expected to produce between 25 and 75 mm (1 and 3 inches) of rain over Bermuda, and that storm surge levels might reach 0.6 to 0.9 meters (2 to 3 feet).
According to AIR, Bermuda was well prepared for Gabrielle’s arrival, and the storm caused few disruptions with schools, government offices, and commercial businesses remaining open. The airport also remained open although some flights were canceled.
There were no reports of structural damage.
Source: AIR Worldwide