&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Gilda_73.JPG) Tropical Storm Gilda near Cuba | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 16, 1973 |
| Dissipated | October 27, 1973 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 70 mph (110 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 984 mbar (hPa); 29.06 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 6 direct |
| Areas affected | Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas, East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1973 Atlantic hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Gilda in 1973 was the first documented tropical cyclone on record to transition into a subtropical cyclone. It formed on October 16 in the western Caribbean Sea from a tropical wave, and strengthened to reach peak winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) before striking Cuba. It later moved slowly through the Bahamas before weakening to tropical depression status. On October 24, with the assistance of a cold front off the coast of the eastern United States, Gilda transformed into a subtropical storm, becoming very large and strong. The storm later accelerated northeastward and became extratropical, ultimately dissipating near Greenland.
The storm first brought heavy rainfall to Jamaica, causing six deaths and some damage from mudslides. While crossing Cuba and later the Bahamas, the storm caused little impact, limited to some crop damage. As a subtropical storm, Gilda brought gusty winds and high waves to much of the east coast of the United States, causing minor beach erosion and coastal property damage.