Hurricane Bertha (2008)

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. The disturbance began to show signs of organization early on July 2; satellite imagery the next morning showcased deep convection over the apparent center and increasingly pronounced banding features in the northwestern quadrant. 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. The NHC noted that global modelling suggested the possibility of tropical development over a week prior, a "remarkable achievement" at the time. Eventually, by late on July 5, Bertha began to enter warmer waters and gain organization. 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. Rapid deepening ensued as the aforementioned eye became readily apparent and convection in the eyewall cooled; 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). 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. prompting the NHC to upgrade Bertha to a hurricane around 18:00 UTC that day. 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. ==Preparations, impact, and records==

on July 14 As a tropical storm, Bertha dropped rainfall over the southern Cape Verde islands. No damages or deaths were reported. 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. The Emergency Measures Organisation urged the public to monitor forecasts and remain away from beaches. The Bermuda Weather Service, meanwhile, hoisted tropical cyclone warnings and watches for the island upon its approach. 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. Ferry service and traffic to St. George's was cancelled for the whole day. A total of of rainfall fell at the L.F. Wade International Airport. 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. Three rip currents also caused 55 injuries throughout beaches in Delaware. The injuries ranged from minor scrapes to broken bones. 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. Lasting 17 days, Hurricane Bertha holds the records for the longest-lived July Atlantic tropical cyclone on record. ==See also==