 The storm slowly acquired tropical characteristics including a better @-@ defined warm core , and Jerry became fully tropical that evening as a weak and sheared tropical storm with 40 mph ( 65 km / h ) winds over a small radius . It accelerated northeastward over cooler waters with sea surface temperatures below 75 ° F ( 24 ° C ) . On September 24 , it weakened to a tropical depression ahead of a powerful cold front with little deep convection remaining in the system . That evening , a QuikScat pass determined that Jerry opened up into a trough , which was being absorbed into the larger frontal system . It completely dissipated by early on September 25 . Jerry never approached land during its lifespan , and no damage or casualties were reported . 
