 A tropical disturbance formed on February 16 to the southeast of Diego Garcia . It moved to the west @-@ southwest , intensifying into Moderate Tropical Storm Gizela on February 18 . That day , the JTWC began classifying it as Tropical Cyclone 12S . Due to a passing trough , Gizela turned to the south and southeast , gradually strengthening . On February 20 , the MFR estimated peak 10 ‑ minute winds of 95 km / h ( 60 mph ) , while the JTWC upgraded it to the equivalent of a minimal hurricane . Influenced by a ridge , Gizela turned back to the southwest and slowly weakened while remaining far away from any landmasses . On February 22 , it weakened to tropical depression status while turning to the south , and Gizela dissipated two days later . 
