 Convection began to increase on July 6 , supported on the basis that many showers were observed to the north of the depression . An anticyclone — a large mass of air rotating clockwise — intensified within the depression 's vicinity , resulting in a tighter pressure gradient and increasing winds to the north of the center of the depression . The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Cindy early on July 7 , and a reconnaissance flight into the storm late during the afternoon observed maximum sustained winds of 60 – 65 mph ( 95 – 100 km / h ) and a minimum pressure of 997 mbar ( hPa ; 29 @.@ 44 inHg ) . Cindy began to curve westward late on July 7 as it reached peak intensity , with a minimum central pressure of 996 mbar ( hPa ; 29 @.@ 41 inHg ) , and drifted due west early on July 8 as a result of a maturing surface high to its north . Steady intensification continued throughout the day , and the storm attained hurricane status during the morning of July 8 . 
