Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Looking back at Hurricane Gustav's record 211 mph wind gust

Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 04:28 AM GMT die 30o December, anno 2008

As we look back at the weather events of 2008, perhaps the most impressive record set during the year occurred during Hurricane Gustav, which pounded Cuba as a Category 4 hurricane in August. Gustav set a new world record for highest wind gust ever measured in a hurricane. As Gustav passed over the Paso Real de San Diego meteorological station in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio, Cuba, on the afternoon of August 30, 2008, a wind gust of 211 mph (94.4 m/s) was recorded (it was originally pegged at 212 mph, but has been "downgraded" to 211 mph after an official review by the World Meteorological Organization). The powerful winds blew down the anemometer, and it is possible that higher gusts occurred after the instrument failed. Not only is this the highest wind speed ever measured in a hurricane, it is the second highest wind gust ever measured at a non-mountain location on Earth, and is the third highest wind gust ever measured on the surface of the planet. The highest wind gust in recorded history is the amazing 253 mph reading recorded on Barrow Island, Australia, during Tropical Cyclone Olivia in 1996. The second highest wind speed ever measured was 231 mph (370 km/hr) on the top of Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, on April 12, 1934, during passage of an extratropical storm. The fourth highest wind gust on record was the 207 mph gust measured in Greenland at Thule Air Force Base on March 6, 1972. The previous highest wind gust measured in a hurricane was 186 mph at Blue Hill Observatory, Massachusetts, during the notorious 1938 "Long Island Express" hurricane.

Figure 1. Anemometer used to measure the record 211 mph gust in Hurricane Gustav. Gustav's powerful winds flattened the instrument against the roof of the observing station. Image credit: Jose M. Rubiera Torres, Instituto de Meteorologia of Cuba.

Is this a believable record?
The instrument used for the measurement in Gustav was a Dines pressure tube anemometer mounted on the roof of the weather office. According to Jose M. Rubiera Torres of Cuba's Instituto de Meteorologia, "The graph is neat and the instrument was in perfect technical working condition. The wind peaked up to 340 km/h and then the anemometer mast fell over the concrete roof of the station's building, sharply interrupting the measurement. The graph [Figure 2], shows that wind gusts were increasing at a regular pace with time, until the instrument broke down when it got to the 340 km/h mark." Dines anemometers have a proven track record of reliability, and have been used in Cuba for over 60 years. A formal committee under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) certified the record in 2009.

Figure 2. Trace of the Dines anemometer used to measure the record 211 mph gust in Hurricane Gustav. Image credit: Jose M. Rubiera Torres, Instituto de Meteorologia of Cuba.

How did such a strong gust occur?
At the time Hurricane Gustav moved over the Paso Real de San Diego meteorological station, the storm was rated a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 150 mph, gusting to 185 mph. When the peak wind gust of 211 mph was measured at 22:35 GMT, the western eyewall of Gustav was over the anemometer site, as seen on Cuban radar (Figure 3). The town of Paso Real de San Diego is at an elevation of about 40 meters, and lies 25 km inland, about 12 km south of a rugged line of mountains up to 700 meters high. The counter-clockwise flow of air around Gustav's eyewall meant that the winds arriving at Paso Real de San Diego were forced to pass over these mountains first. The mountains probably focused and accelerated the winds through gaps between the peaks, and the air accelerated further as it rushed downhill under the force of gravity. Strong downbursts due to collapsing precipitation cores inside Gustav's eyewall probably contributed to the extreme gusts. When hurricanes make landfall, the intense thunderstorm cells that comprise the eyewall sometimes collapse suddenly, sending a downward cascade of intense winds to the surface. When this rush of wind hits the ground, it spreads out in all directions, forming a strong surface wind event known as a downburst. It has been theorized that some of the extreme damage noted in Florida during Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992 may have been associated with downbursts from collapsing eyewall thunderstorm cells. This behavior may also be responsible for some of the extreme damage in Mississippi from Hurricane Katrina. Animations of infrared satellite imagery available from the University of Wisconsin CIMSS Satellite Blog show that the eyewall of Gustav collapsed during passage over the high mountains to the north of Paso Real de San Diego, but this occurred after the world record wind gust was measured.

Figure 3. Radar image of Hurricane Gustav (top) at 22:25 GMT on August 30 2008, five minutes before the world record 211 mph hurricane wind gust was measured. The site of the Paso Real de San Diego meteorological station where the record was set is marked with a red dot. A topographic map (bottom) shows the line of mountains up to 1200 meters high that lies just north of the town. The counter-clockwise flow of air around the eye of Gustav brought the strongest winds of Gustav across the mountain range then downhill to Paso Real de San Diego. Radar image credit: Instituto de Meteorologia of Cuba. Topographic map image credit: Wikipedia.

Note: this post was updated in 2010 to reflect the official WMO review of Gustav's wind gust, plus the addition of the new World Record wind gust set in TC Olivia in 1996.

Jeff Masters

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851. atmoaggie 03:41 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting MichaelSTL: Stop making fun of me; I am ignoring everybody who does so, starting with you and zoomiami (845). Orca makes fun of everybody, including himself. Orca, ignore yourself. Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 12461

852. Orcasystems 03:42 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting MichaelSTL: Stop making fun of me; I am ignoring everybody who does so, starting with you and zoomiami (845). Thank you.. Member Since: October 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077

853. Orcasystems 03:43 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting atmoaggie: Orca makes fun of everybody, including himself. Orca, ignore yourself. Man .. last time I did that.. I lost myself for days.. Now I just ban myself for 24 hours.. its easier Member Since: October 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077

854. zoomiami 03:44 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
It hasn't been this good in a while - better than comedy night. Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 10 Comments: 4065

855. atmoaggie 03:44 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Can you imagine how infrequently the blog updates for you-know-who with most of the regulars ignored? He probably sees a new comment posted once every 6 hours. Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 12461

856. Patrap 03:44 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting MichaelSTL: Stop making fun of me; I am ignoring everybody who does so, starting with you and zoomiami (845). Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

857. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 03:45 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Link link to world alert map for all events ok link works now missed a letter Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40573

858. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 03:47 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
orca be good or we will sent u another 3 feet of snow lol Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40573

859. Drakoen 03:48 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting atmoaggie: Can you imagine how infrequently the blog updates for you-know-who with most of the regulars ignored? He probably sees a new comment posted once every 6 hours. You're on a roll today atmo ;) Member Since: October 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

860. Orcasystems 03:49 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting KEEPEROFTHEGATE: orca be good or we will sent u another 3 feet of snow lol Owwwww.. thats mean.. I am going to find a picture for you now. Member Since: October 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077

861. Patrap 03:51 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
608 WGUS54 KLIX 040350 FFWLIX LAC051-071-075-087-040645- /O.NEW.KLIX.FF.W.0002.090104T0350Z-090104T0645Z/ /00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/ BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED FLASH FLOOD WARNING NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA 950 PM CST SAT JAN 3 2009 THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NEW ORLEANS HAS ISSUED A * FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR... NORTHERN JEFFERSON PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA... THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...TIMBERLANE...METAIRIE...MARRERO... KENNER...HARVEY...AVONDALE... ORLEANS PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA... THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...NEW ORLEANS...EAST NEW ORLEANS... NORTHWESTERN PLAQUEMINES PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA... THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF BELLE CHASSE... WESTERN ST. BERNARD PARISH IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA... THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF CHALMETTE... * UNTIL 1245 AM CST * AT 945 PM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR ESTIMATED RAINFALL TOTALS OF 3 TO 4 INCHES HAVE FALLEN OVER THE THE WARNED AREA THIS EVENING. AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUING TO MOVE ACROSS THE AREA THROUGH MIDNIGHT. EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLOODING OF SMALL CREEKS AND STREAMS...URBAN AREAS...HIGHWAYS...STREETS AND UNDERPASSES AS WELL AS OTHER DRAINAGE AREAS AND LOW LYING SPOTS. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS SAFELY. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND. A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING. IF YOU ARE IN THE WARNING AREA MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY. RESIDENTS LIVING ALONG STREAMS AND CREEKS SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS SWIFTLY FLOWING WATERS OR WATERS OF UNKNOWN DEPTH BY FOOT OR BY AUTOMOBILE. LAT...LON 2969 8950 2972 8954 2971 8958 2976 9013 2983 9015 2990 9025 3001 9027 3005 9001 3012 8986 3008 8970 3002 8972 3004 8981 2999 8983 2995 8979 2997 8971 2992 8972 2989 8969 2990 8959 3000 8957 2991 8941 Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

862. KoritheMan 03:51 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
First time I've seen a training band of thunderstorms in the NOLA area since Gustav or Ike... Member Since: March 7, 2007 Posts: 409 Comments: 15445

863. Orcasystems 03:55 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting KEEPEROFTHEGATE: Link link to world alert map for all events KOG, after his 6 Tim Horton's Donut Member Since: October 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077

864. Patrap 03:56 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
The Trains Rolls on here too.. NEXRAD Radar New Orleans, Base Reflectivity 0.50 Degree Elevation Range 124 NMI Link Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

865. presslord 03:57 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
OK....I'm ignoring orca now, too.... Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 10377

866. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 03:59 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
thats it iam gonna sent someone by to steal your shovel try movin the snow without it Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40573

867. zoomiami 04:00 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Please send all meerkats to me - I have a baby kitty that keeps escaping out the door - faster than a speeding bullet - and I'm tired of digging in the banana palms for the d( cat! Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 10 Comments: 4065

868. Orcasystems 04:01 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting presslord: OK....I'm ignoring orca now, too.... Quoting KEEPEROFTHEGATE: thats it iam gonna sent someone by to steal your shovel try movin the snow without it I have to be doing something right.. I got em both :) Member Since: October 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077

869. SevereHurricane 04:01 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
The water is getting closer to being in my house its 3/4 up my driveway. this is serious! Member Since: September 7, 2008 Posts: 17 Comments: 1604

870. Patrap 04:01 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Everyone Squeeze in tight,smile and Lets get a Nice pic..Okay? Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

871. pottery 04:01 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Anyone hoo ignores me, is getting ingored right back. So watch it ! And yeah, I said Ingored. So there.... Member Since: October 24, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 20708

872. SevereHurricane 04:02 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
This is comprable to Tropical Storm Isodores flooding in 2002. Katrina we flooded... Member Since: September 7, 2008 Posts: 17 Comments: 1604

873. presslord 04:03 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Can I put my wife on 'permanent ignore'? Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 10377

874. pottery 04:03 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Hang in there, Severe. Member Since: October 24, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 20708

875. Patrap 04:04 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Here we see the Main Blog near June First anxiously awaiting the First TWO of the Season. A annual Event ,..always well attended. Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

877. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 04:04 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
its all good fun we should learn to laugh at and with each other Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40573

878. Tazmanian 04:05 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
i no what all play a game you no some in to pass the time Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111354

879. presslord 04:05 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
....she's had me rearranging furniture all day.....I'm afraid I'm gonna wake up in the middle of the night and trip over something and hurt myself.... Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 10377

880. SevereHurricane 04:05 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
4.68 inches of rain at my house in Kenner,la so far. Member Since: September 7, 2008 Posts: 17 Comments: 1604

881. pottery 04:05 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
No, you cannot, Press. post 873. Remember your Solemn Vows, and all that.... Member Since: October 24, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 20708

882. Tazmanian 04:06 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
red fish bule fish green fish pick fish yellow fish Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111354

883. presslord 04:06 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
pottery....Does it count that I was pretty drunk when I made them? Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 10377

885. tkeith 04:07 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting Patrap: The Trains Rolls on here too.. NEXRAD Radar New Orleans, Base Reflectivity 0.50 Degree Elevation Range 124 NMI Link Boudreaux has a keg in his pirogue headin down West Esplanade...They have valet boat parking at Daiquiri Bay. Member Since: November 1, 2004 Posts: 25 Comments: 8839

886. Tazmanian 04:08 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
i no whats talk about yellow stone or some in Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111354

887. Patrap 04:09 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Switch to Low beams tonight. Geezus..really a Booming Uptown now. Street flooding reported here too. Uptown Flooding File pic Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

888. presslord 04:10 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
taz...the yellowstone activity really interests me... Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 10377

889. Orcasystems 04:10 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting presslord: ....she's had me rearranging furniture all day.....I'm afraid I'm gonna wake up in the middle of the night and trip over something and hurt myself.... Trip over?? or permanent ignore.. or something more sinister??? Member Since: October 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077

890. pottery 04:12 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Not sure about the legal ramifications of that, Press. Will need to consult my Legal Advisor, and get back to you. RTL, you available for a Consultation ?? Member Since: October 24, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 20708

891. SevereHurricane 04:12 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
My dad just had to park our car inbeetween my house and my neighbors. the water is 2 inches from getting in my garage and 3 more its in my house. god forbid Member Since: September 7, 2008 Posts: 17 Comments: 1604

892. SevereHurricane 04:13 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Patrap how bad is it at your house? Member Since: September 7, 2008 Posts: 17 Comments: 1604

893. Patrap 04:14 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Hopefully this last impulse will be the last of it.. Seems to be drifting east more and south Link 11pm looks to be the back of it. Bout 3 inches here Id say..as a nearby gauge has it,PWS. Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

894. zoomiami 04:14 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Severe - is it still raining? Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 10 Comments: 4065

895. tkeith 04:15 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Quoting presslord: taz...the yellowstone activity really interests me... there's something goin on there, I hope its just takin a deep breath...if not the "ahem" (debate) wont be the "hot" topic... Member Since: November 1, 2004 Posts: 25 Comments: 8839

897. Tazmanian 04:16 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
888. presslord 8:10 PM PST on January 03, 2009 taz...the yellowstone activity really interests me yup me too Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111354

898. KEHCharleston 04:17 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Severe, Do you think you will need to get things off the floor? How much more rain are you expecting? Member Since: August 19, 2008 Posts: 6 Comments: 2490

899. Tazmanian 04:17 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
so what do you all think about the yellowstone activity i sure hop dr m dos a blog here about it soon Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111354

900. Patrap 04:18 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
Yellowstone ,,Big Bada-Boom Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

901. Patrap 04:19 AM GMT die 04o January, anno 2009
NEXRAD Radar New Orleans, Base Reflectivity 0.50 Degree Elevation Range 124 NMI Link Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111513

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