Tropical Storm Gilda (1973)

Tropical Storm Gilda

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.