&sq=&lang=&file=File:Bertha_07_july_2008_1630Z.jpg) Bertha near peak intensity on July 7 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | July 3, 2008 |
| Extratropical | July 20, 2008 |
| Dissipated | July 21, 2008 |
| Category 3 major hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 125 mph (205 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 952 mbar (hPa); 28.11 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 3 direct |
| Damage | Minimal |
| Areas affected | East Coast of the United States, Bermuda |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season | |
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.