Hurricane Gustav (1990)

Hurricane Gustav

Gustav at peak intensity in the central Atlantic Ocean on August 31
Meteorological history
Formed	August 24, 1990
Dissipated	September 3, 1990
Category 3 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds	120 mph (195 km/h)
Lowest pressure	956 mbar (hPa); 28.23 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities	None
Damage	Minimal
Areas affected	Lesser Antilles
IBTrACS
Part of the 1990 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Gustav was the only major hurricane that formed during the 1990 Atlantic hurricane season.^[1] 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 (190 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.