Tropical Storm Gabrielle (2007)

{{storm path|Gabrielle 2007 track.png|alt=Track map of Tropical Storm.}}

A cold front moved off the southeast coast of the United States on September 1.{{cite web|author=Daniel Brown|date=October 29, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Tropical Cyclone Report|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-10-30|format=PDF|url={{NHC TCR url|id=AL072007_Gabrielle}}}} Gradually decaying, the front degenerated into an area of cloudiness and showers just east of the Georgia coast on September 2.{{cite web|author=Pasch & Rhome|date=September 2, 2007|title=September 2 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-07|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2007/TWOAT.200709021513.txt|format=TXT}} Tracking eastward, a weak low-pressure area developed the next day. It slowly became better organized as its motion became erratic,{{cite web|author=Beven|date=September 4, 2007|title=September 4 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-07|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2007/TWOAT.200709021513.txt|format=TXT}} and by late on September 4 the convection had become concentrated to the east of the center.{{cite web|author=Beven|date=September 4, 2007|title=September 4 Tropical Weather Outlook (2)|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-07|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2007/TWOAT.200709050336.txt|format=TXT}} On September 5, a Hurricane Hunters flight indicated the system had not acquired the characteristics of a tropical or subtropical cyclone. Interaction with an upper-level trough resulted in moderate wind shear which suppressed further development,{{cite web|author=Beven|date=September 5, 2007|title=September 5 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-07|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2007/TWOAT.200709052115.txt|format=TXT}} and by September 6 the thunderstorm activity lost much organization.{{cite web|author=Avila|date=September 6, 2007|title=September 6 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-07|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2007/TWOAT.200709060919.txt|format=TXT}} Then, upper-level winds became increasingly favorable, allowing the convection to concentrate about halfway between North Carolina and Bermuda.{{cite web|author=Knabb|date=September 7, 2007|title=September 7 Tropical Weather Outlook|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-07|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOAT/2007/TWOAT.200709071515.txt|format=TXT}} With a deep-layer ridge to its north, the system turned to a steady west-northwest track. A reconnaissance aircraft flight late on September 7 reported a very elongated center, with peak flight winds of {{convert|55|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} about {{convert|100|mi|km}} northeast of the center. Subsequent to the flight, the center became slightly better organized, and based on the large wind field and the presence of an upper-level low to its west-southwest, the National Hurricane Center classified the system as Subtropical Storm Gabrielle early on September 8 while located about {{convert|385|mi|km}} southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina.{{cite web|author=Beven & Roberts|date=September 8, 2007|title=Subtropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-07|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.001.shtml?}}

Upon becoming a subtropical cyclone, Gabrielle was located in an area of cooler air to its north, dry air to its south and west, southerly wind shear, and cooler water temperatures along its path. Despite these unfavorable conditions, a curved convective band developed in its northern and western quadrants,{{cite web|author=Mainelli & Avila|date=September 8, 2007|title=Subtropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Two|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-08|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.002.shtml?}} and the circulation became better defined.{{cite web|author=Knabb|date=September 8, 2007|title=Subtropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Three|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-08|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.003.shtml?}} Subsequently, the rainbands in its northeastern quadrant dissipated, leaving the well-defined center far removed from the convection. By later that day, the circulation began to become more involved with the remaining convection. Based on evidence of a weak warm-core, the system was re-designated as Tropical Storm Gabrielle late on September 8 about {{convert|185|mi|km}} southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina.{{cite web|author=Knabb|date=September 8, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Four|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-08|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.004.shtml?}}

Image:Gablandfallsmall.gif

Vertical wind shear decreased as the storm passed over the Gulf Stream, allowing a strong convective burst to develop near the center.{{cite web|author=Beven|date=September 8, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Five|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-08|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.005.shtml?}} As it approached the coast of North Carolina, the center re-developed within the deep convection underneath the mid-level circulation,{{cite web|author=Franklin|date=September 9, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Special Discussion Seven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-09|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.007.shtml?}} although increased northerly wind shear displaced the center of Gabrielle to the north of the thunderstorm activity.{{cite web|author=Brown & Knabb|date=September 9, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Eight|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-09|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.008.shtml?}} Based on reports from Hurricane Hunters, it is estimated Gabrielle moved ashore at Cape Lookout National Seashore at 1530 UTC on September 9 with winds of {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, though due to the shear the strongest winds remained offshore. Tracking around the ridge over the western Atlantic, the storm turned to the north and north-northeast,{{cite web|author=Brown & Knabb|date=September 9, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Nine|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-09|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.009.shtml?}} emerging into the ocean near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina early on September 10 as a poorly organized system with convection far to the south of the center.{{cite web|author=Blake & Pasch|date=September 10, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Discussion Ten|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-09|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.010.shtml?}} Gabrielle weakened to a tropical depression shortly thereafter,{{cite web|author=Rhome|date=September 10, 2007|title=Tropical Depression Gabrielle Discussion Eleven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.011.shtml?}} and maintained scattered convection despite unfavorable wind shear as it tracked along the northern portion of the Gulf Stream.{{cite web|author=Pasch & Roberts|date=September 11, 2007|title=Tropical Depression Gabrielle Discussion Fourteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.014.shtml?}} By midday on September 11, the circulation had become ill-defined and elongated; failing to meet the criteria of a tropical cyclone, the National Hurricane Center declared Gabrielle dissipating well to the south of Nova Scotia.{{cite web|author=Brown|date=September 11, 2007|title=Tropical Depression Gabrielle Discussion Sixteen|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.discus.016.shtml?}} By early the next day, the remnants of Gabrielle were absorbed by an approaching cold front.{{cite web|author=Bowyer & Campbell|date=September 11, 2007|title=Post-Tropical Depression Gabrielle Information Statement on September 11, 2007|publisher=Canadian Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-12|url=http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20070911234554.Gabrielle.txt.en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611123105/http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/weather/hurricane/bulletins/20070911234554.Gabrielle.txt.en|archive-date=June 11, 2011}}

Upon becoming a subtropical cyclone, the National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Oregon Inlet in North Carolina, including the Pamlico Sound.{{cite web|author=Beven & Roberts|date=September 7, 2007|title=Subtropical Storm Gabrielle Public Advisory One|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-07|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.public.001.shtml?}} As the storm approached the coast, the watch south of Cape Fear, North Carolina was discontinued, and a tropical storm warning was issued from Surf City, North Carolina northward to the North Carolina–Virginia state border; a watch was also issued northward to Cape Charles Light on the Delmarva Peninsula, and to New Point Comfort on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay,{{cite web|author=Knabb|date=September 8, 2007|title=Subtropical Storm Gabrielle Public Advisory Three|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-08|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.public.003.shtml?}} which was upgraded to a warning the next day.{{cite web|author=Beven|date=September 8, 2007|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Public Advisory Five|publisher=National Hurricane Center|access-date=2007-09-08|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/al07/al072007.public.005.shtml?}}

Prior to the arrival of the storm, the National Park Service closed visitor centers and campgrounds along the Outer Banks.{{cite news|author=Jerry Allegood|date=September 9, 2007|title=Eastern N.C. awaits Gabrielle|newspaper=The News & Observer|access-date=2007-09-11|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/856/story/697861.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011191034/http://www.newsobserver.com/856/story/697861.html |archive-date = October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}} For about 12 hours, the ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke was closed.{{cite news|author=Catherine Kozak|date=September 9, 2007|title=Gabrielle got the last laugh with N.C. 12 overwash|publisher=The Virginian-Pilot}} North Carolina Governor Mike Easley put rescue teams and the National Guard on standby.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle makes landfall on Outer Banks|date=September 9, 2007|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=2008-11-03|url=https://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2007-09-07-carolina-storm_N.htm}} Residents and tourists were advised to secure loose objects, and to remain indoors.{{cite web|url=http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/weather/14068453/detail.html|title=Gabrielle Strengthens, Nears North Carolina|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Internet Broadcasting Systems, WTAE-TV|date=September 9, 2007|access-date=2008-11-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214065157/http://www.wtae.com/weather/14068453/detail.html|archive-date=February 14, 2012}} As the storm's effects were expected to be minor, no evacuations were ordered.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle washes ashore in North Carolina, leaving little but rain behind|date=September 9, 2007|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=2008-11-03|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20070909-1659-tropicalweather-gabrielle-optional.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911154313/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20070909-1659-tropicalweather-gabrielle-optional.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 11, 2012}} On Ocracoke Island, boats were hauled out.{{cite news|author=Mike Baker|title= Tropical storm Gabrielle gains strength|date=September 9, 2007|newspaper=Independent Online|access-date=2008-11-03|url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=22&art_id=nw20070909162503794C270923}} The threat of the storm forced the cancellation of a fishing tournament at Atlantic Beach, which resulted in effects to the local economy.{{cite web|author=Anne Johnson|title=Beachgoers Stay, Officials and Businesses Prepare as Gabrielle Approaches|date=September 9, 2007|publisher=WRAL.com|access-date=2008-11-04|url=http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/1793137/}}

Initially, uncertainty in Gabrielle's track led the National Hurricane Center's five-day track forecast cone to include the Mid-Atlantic, southeastern New York, and southern New England.{{cite web|author=National Hurricane Center|title=Gabrielle Graphics Archive|year=2007|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|access-date=2008-11-04|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2007/graphics/al07/loop_5W.shtml}} Forecasters predicted rough surf and rip currents, prompting the Coast Guard to perform preparations in the Northeastern United States. On Cape Cod, Massachusetts, an HU-25 Falcon jet flew along the coastline, broadcasting storm advisories to offshore vessels. A Coast Guard patrol boat was deployed offshore for search and rescue. Boaters and mariners were advised to exercise caution, and were told to "make safe decisions".{{cite web|title=Coast Guard Prepares Mariners for Tropical Storm Gabrielle|date=September 9, 2007|publisher=U.S. Coast Guard|access-date=2008-11-03|url=http://www.uscgnewengland.com/go/doc/802/171419/}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} However, the storm passed well to the south with little effect.

Image:Gabrielle 2007 rainfall.gif

Rough surf from Gabrielle along the coast of Florida drowned one surfer and forced the rescue of 200 swimmers.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer |title=Surfer Drowns, 200 Rescued In Gabrielle-Churned Seas Off Coast |publisher=Orlando News |access-date=2009-01-05 |url=http://www.clickorlando.com/news/14078956/detail.html |date=September 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716235621/http://www.clickorlando.com/news/14078956/detail.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }} Officials at New Smyrna Beach estimated {{convert|6|to|9|ft|m}} seas.{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|title=Gabrielle Whips Up Rough Seas, Fla. Swimmers 'Sucked Out' In Currents|date=September 8, 2007|publisher=Orlando News|access-date=2009-01-05|url=http://www.clickorlando.com/news/14074678/detail.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006002848/http://www.clickorlando.com/news/14074678/detail.html|archive-date=October 6, 2011}} By early on September 9, the outer rainbands began affecting southeastern North Carolina. Sustained winds of tropical storm force occurred along the coastline, unofficially reaching {{convert|44|mph|km/h}} at Frisco. Wind gusts were stronger, unofficially reaching {{convert|61|mph|km/h}} at Ocracoke. Along the coast, rough surf was reported, and waves reached {{convert|10|to|12|ft|m}}.{{cite web|author=Steve Stone|title=Tropical storm Gabrielle lives down to expectations.|date=September 9, 2007|work=Virginian-Pilot|publisher=Landmark Publishing|access-date=2008-11-03|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-32829691_ITM}} Rip currents caused numerous swimmers to be rescued by lifeguards.{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Tropical Storm Soaks Carolina Coast|date=September 9, 2007|publisher=CBS News|access-date=2008-11-03|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-soaks-carolina-coast/}} Heavy rainfall from the storm was confined to near its immediate landfall location, peaking at {{convert|9.03|in|mm}} at a station {{convert|7.2|mi|km}} to the east-northeast of Newport; other areas reported {{convert|4|to|8|in|m}}. Two offshore ships observed tropical storm-force winds, though the reports were considered to be overestimated.

In some locations, the rainfall led to flooding, which prevented farmers from harvesting crops. Elsewhere throughout the state, the storm failed to relieve severe drought conditions as it was initially hoped to.{{cite news|author=Sue Book|date=September 10, 2007|title=Rain "too little or too much, definitely too late" for crops|publisher=New Bern Sun Journal|access-date=2007-09-12|url=http://www.newbernsj.com/news/rain_36427___article.html/drought_county.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004145048/http://www.newbernsj.com/news/rain_36427___article.html/drought_county.html|archive-date=October 4, 2007}} The passage of the storm left a portion of North Carolina Highway 12 on Hatteras Island closed for three hours, briefly flooding part of the road. Streets in Morehead City and Beaufort were closed, and several homes and businesses suffered minor flood damage. In Carteret County, the flooding inflicted $5,000 ({{Inflation|US|5000|2007|fmt=eq|r=-3}}{{Inflation/fn|US}}) in property damage. Storm surge was fairly light along the coast, peaking at {{convert|3|ft|m}} above normal at Hatteras Island.{{cite web|title=Tropical Storm Gabrielle Event Report for North Carolina|year=2007|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|access-date=2008-11-03|url=http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~684326|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520030831/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~ShowEvent~684326|archive-date=2011-05-20}} Overall damage in the state was minor, including minor beach erosion and some flooded streets. No fatalities were reported.

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}

• List of storms named Gabrielle
• Timeline of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season
• List of North Carolina hurricanes (2000–present)

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Category:2007 Atlantic hurricane season

Category:Atlantic tropical storms

Category:Hurricanes in North Carolina

Gabrielle