Tropical Storm Gilma was a tropical cyclone that formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean during the 2012 Pacific hurricane season. The storm developed on August 7, 2012, from a tropical wave that had been tracking westward across the Pacific. At the time of its formation, Gilma was located approximately 1,000 miles southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.
Formation and Track
Gilma began as a tropical depression on August 7, 2012, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The system quickly strengthened into a tropical storm, with winds reaching 40 mph by the evening of the same day. Over the next few days, Gilma continued to track westward, moving into an area of favorable environmental conditions, including warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear. As a result, the storm was able to intensify, reaching its peak intensity on August 9, 2012, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.
Intensity and Structure
At its peak, Tropical Storm Gilma was a relatively small storm, with a radius of maximum winds extending outward up to 25 miles from the center. The storm’s structure was characterized by a well-defined circulation center, with a tight inner core and a broad outer rainband. Gilma’s intensity was supported by a strong convective burst, which developed near the storm’s center and persisted for several hours. However, the storm’s intensity was short-lived, as it began to encounter increasing vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.
| Date | Time | Maximum Sustained Winds | Minimum Central Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2012 | 02:00 PM PDT | 35 mph | 1007 mbar |
| August 8, 2012 | 08:00 AM PDT | 40 mph | 1004 mbar |
| August 9, 2012 | 02:00 PM PDT | 60 mph | 997 mbar |
Tropical Storm Gilma began to weaken on August 10, 2012, as it encountered increasing vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. The storm's maximum sustained winds decreased to 50 mph by the evening of August 10, and Gilma was downgraded to a tropical depression by the morning of August 11. The system continued to weaken, and Gilma dissipated on August 12, 2012, approximately 1,500 miles west of the Baja California Peninsula.
Impact and Preparations
Although Tropical Storm Gilma did not make landfall, the storm’s outer rainbands brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to several islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. The storm’s approach prompted the issuance of tropical storm watches and warnings for several islands, including Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. However, the storm’s impact was relatively minor, with no reports of significant damage or injuries.
Post-Storm Analysis
A post-storm analysis of Tropical Storm Gilma revealed that the storm’s intensity was likely underestimated by forecast models. The storm’s rapid intensification on August 9, 2012, caught forecasters by surprise, and the storm’s peak intensity was not fully captured by operational models. The analysis also highlighted the importance of monitoring tropical waves in the Eastern Pacific, as these systems can rapidly develop into tropical cyclones.
- The 2012 Pacific hurricane season was characterized by above-average activity, with 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes.
- Tropical Storm Gilma was one of several storms to form during the 2012 season, which included Hurricane Carlotta, Hurricane Emilia, and Hurricane Fabio.
- The Eastern Pacific hurricane season typically runs from May 15 to November 30, with the peak months for tropical cyclone activity occurring in August and September.
What was the peak intensity of Tropical Storm Gilma?
+Tropical Storm Gilma reached its peak intensity on August 9, 2012, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and a minimum central pressure of 997 mbar.
Did Tropical Storm Gilma make landfall?
+No, Tropical Storm Gilma did not make landfall. The storm's outer rainbands brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to several islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, but the storm's center remained at sea.
What was the impact of Tropical Storm Gilma on the Hawaiian Islands?
+The storm's outer rainbands brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to several islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, but the impact was relatively minor, with no reports of significant damage or injuries.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Gilma was a relatively short-lived tropical cyclone that formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean during the 2012 Pacific hurricane season. The storm’s peak intensity was 60 mph, and its impact was relatively minor, with no reports of significant damage or injuries. The storm’s formation and track highlighted the importance of monitoring tropical waves in the Eastern Pacific, as these systems can rapidly develop into tropical cyclones.
