Hurricane Bertha was the longest-lived Atlantic tropical cyclone on record during July, as well as the furthest east system to attain tropical storm intensity during the month. The second named storm, first hurricane, and first major hurricane of the active 2008 season, Bertha developed into a tropical depression on July 3 from a tropical wave that departed western Africa two days prior. On a west-northwest to northwest track, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Bertha six hours formation and ultimately attained hurricane intensity on July 7. A period of rapid deepening brought the cyclone to its peak as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) late that afternoon. Changes in wind shear and the storm's internal structure allowed Bertha to fluctuate in intensity over the next week as it passed very near Bermuda, but a track over cooler waters eventually caused the system to become an extratropical cyclone by July 20. It continued northeast and was absorbed by another low near Iceland the following day. Rough surf propelled by Bertha killed three people along the East Coast of the United States; hundreds of other swimmers were injured and/or required rescuing. In Bermuda, some streets were flooded and strong gusts cut power to approximately 7,500 homes; only minor damage was observed.
On July 1, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring a vigorous tropical wave, accompanied by both a weak surface low and a large area of shower and thunderstorm activity, just off the western coast of Africa.[1] The disturbance began to show signs of organization early on July 2;[2] satellite imagery the next morning showcased deep convection over the apparent center and increasingly pronounced banding features in the northwestern quadrant.[3] Thus, in conjunction with satellite wind data, the storm was classified as a tropical depression by 06:00 UTC on July 3, located about 255 miles (410 km) south-southeast of Cabo Verde.[4] The NHC noted that global modelling suggested the possibility of tropical development over a week prior, a "remarkable achievement" at the time.[3] The storm's cloud pattern continued to coalesce, and it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Bertha six hours later.[4]
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]
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. JetBlue and Delta Air Lines cancelled their flights, while American Airlines executed its flights to Miami and New York a day early, and British Airways delayed its flight to the afternoon.[16][17] Ferry service and traffic to St. George's was cancelled for the whole day.[15] Some roads were flooded, and tree branches were broken by wind gusts that reached 91 mph (146 km/h) at an elevated weather station on the island.[4] Downed power lines cut electricity to approximately 7,500 homes, but engineers from the Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited worked quickly to restore service.[18] A total of 4.77 in (121 mm) of rainfall fell at the L.F. Wade International Airport.[19]
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]
^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.
^ abcEric S. Blake (July 3, 2008). Tropical Depression Two Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
^ abcdefghiJamie 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.
^ abAmanda Dale (July 14, 2008). "Bertha loses strength". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
^"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.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hurricane Bertha (2008).
The National Hurricane Center's Advisory Archive for Hurricane Bertha
hurricane, bertha, 2008, hurricane, bertha, longest, lived, atlantic, tropical, cyclone, record, during, july, well, furthest, east, system, attain, tropical, storm, intensity, during, month, second, named, storm, first, hurricane, first, major, hurricane, act. Hurricane Bertha was the longest lived Atlantic tropical cyclone on record during July as well as the furthest east system to attain tropical storm intensity during the month The second named storm first hurricane and first major hurricane of the active 2008 season Bertha developed into a tropical depression on July 3 from a tropical wave that departed western Africa two days prior On a west northwest to northwest track the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Bertha six hours formation and ultimately attained hurricane intensity on July 7 A period of rapid deepening brought the cyclone to its peak as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph 205 km h late that afternoon Changes in wind shear and the storm s internal structure allowed Bertha to fluctuate in intensity over the next week as it passed very near Bermuda but a track over cooler waters eventually caused the system to become an extratropical cyclone by July 20 It continued northeast and was absorbed by another low near Iceland the following day Rough surf propelled by Bertha killed three people along the East Coast of the United States hundreds of other swimmers were injured and or required rescuing In Bermuda some streets were flooded and strong gusts cut power to approximately 7 500 homes only minor damage was observed Hurricane Bertha Bertha near peak intensity on July 7Meteorological historyFormedJuly 3 2008ExtratropicalJuly 20 2008DissipatedJuly 21 2008Category 3 hurricane1 minute sustained SSHWS NWS Highest winds125 mph 205 km h Lowest pressure952 mbar hPa 28 11 inHgOverall effectsFatalities3 directDamageMinimalAreas affectedEast Coast of the United States BermudaIBTrACSPart of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season Contents 1 Meteorological history 2 Preparations impact and records 3 See also 4 References 5 External linksMeteorological history Edit Map plotting the storm s track and intensity according to the Saffir Simpson scaleMap keySaffir Simpson scale Tropical depression 38 mph 62 km h Tropical storm 39 73 mph 63 118 km h Category 1 74 95 mph 119 153 km h Category 2 96 110 mph 154 177 km h Category 3 111 129 mph 178 208 km h Category 4 130 156 mph 209 251 km h Category 5 157 mph 252 km h Unknown Storm type Tropical cyclone Subtropical cyclone Extratropical cyclone remnant low tropical disturbance or monsoon depressionOn July 1 the National Hurricane Center NHC began monitoring a vigorous tropical wave accompanied by both a weak surface low and a large area of shower and thunderstorm activity just off the western coast of Africa 1 The disturbance began to show signs of organization early on July 2 2 satellite imagery the next morning showcased deep convection over the apparent center and increasingly pronounced banding features in the northwestern quadrant 3 Thus in conjunction with satellite wind data the storm was classified as a tropical depression by 06 00 UTC on July 3 located about 255 miles 410 km south southeast of Cabo Verde 4 The NHC noted that global modelling suggested the possibility of tropical development over a week prior a remarkable achievement at the time 3 The storm s cloud pattern continued to coalesce and it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Bertha six hours later 4 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 Edit Tropical Storm Bertha near Bermuda on July 14As 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 JetBlue and Delta Air Lines cancelled their flights while American Airlines executed its flights to Miami and New York a day early and British Airways delayed its flight to the afternoon 16 17 Ferry service and traffic to St George s was cancelled for the whole day 15 Some roads were flooded and tree branches were broken by wind gusts that reached 91 mph 146 km h at an elevated weather station on the island 4 Downed power lines cut electricity to approximately 7 500 homes but engineers from the Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited worked quickly to restore service 18 A total of 4 77 in 121 mm of rainfall fell at the L F Wade International Airport 19 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 Edit Tropical cyclones portalOther 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 Edit 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 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hurricane Bertha 2008 The National Hurricane Center s Advisory Archive for Hurricane Bertha Radar loop from Bermuda Archived 2013 12 17 at the Wayback Machine CIMSS Satellite Blog Tropical Storm Bertha Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Hurricane Bertha 2008 amp oldid 1163634372, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
