 After becoming a tropical storm , Gert quickly intensified due to the presence of an anticyclone aloft , as well as warm water temperatures exceeding 84 ° F ( 29 ° C ) . Following the development of a warm spot near the center , Gert intensified into a hurricane on September 13 . It strengthened further , developing an eye that briefly dissipated before reforming . Early on September 15 , Gert attained major hurricane strength , or a Category 3 on the Saffir @-@ Simpson scale . Still moving west @-@ northwestward , Gert continued its steady intensification trend , developing well @-@ defined outflow throughout the circulation that was described as " outstanding " . After reaching Category 4 status on September 15 , Gert strengthened further to peak winds of 130 mph ( 210 km / h ) early on September 16 , as estimated on satellite imagery through the Dvorak technique . Satellite intensity estimates reached as high as 160 mph ( 260 km / h ) , or a Category 5 hurricane . At the time , the hurricane was located about 720 mi ( 1160 km ) east @-@ northeast of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles . Around the time of peak intensity , Gert maintained a round central dense overcast . Hurricane Hunters investigated the hurricane on September 16 and indicated a slight weakening trend due to an eyewall replacement cycle . Gradually Gert turned toward the northwest due to a weakness in the subtropical ridge , created by Hurricane Floyd to the west . As it did so , the hurricane re @-@ intensified briefly before resuming a weakening trend , due to increased wind shear and an upper @-@ level trough to its west restricting outflow . 
