Hurricane Gustav (1990)

Hurricane Gustav

Category 3 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Hurricane Gustav on August 30
Formed	August 24, 1990
Dissipated	September 3, 1990
Highest winds	1-minute sustained: 120 mph (195 km/h)
Lowest pressure	956 mbar (hPa); 28.23 inHg
Fatalities	None reported
Damage	Minimal
Areas affected	Lesser Antilles
Part of the 1990 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Gustav was the only major hurricane to form during the 1990 Atlantic hurricane season. 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 (195 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.

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 (1,555 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.