Hurricane Gaston (2016 Scenario MG)

Gaston was a very intense category 5 hurricane, the first in almost 10 years. Despite Gaston did not make any direct landfall, it caused severe impact on Bermuda and Great Britain, which caused its name to be retired.

Formation
A tropical wave was designated 90L in mid-August, and began to slowly develop, eventually it was named Gaston on August 22. It moved through the caribbean, initially struggling to develop. Eventually it entered the central caribbean, and rapidly intensified. It peaked as a category 5 hurricane as it approached Bermuda.

Hard impacts
Despite Bermuda was in the outer winds, Bermuda was slammed hard by Gaston. 110 mph winds and strong rainfall pummeled the islands for a day and a half. There was tons of storm surge, and power was lost on the whole island. As Gaston moved away from Bermuda, 85 fatalities and about $2 billion in damage occurred. It then took a typical cape verde route, and became extratropical on September 2.

Extratropical Impacts
After Gaston became extratropical, it slammed into Great Britain, with 105 mph sustained winds. The storm then slowed down, and took 18 hours to pass over the island. Torrential rainfall on Britain led to flooding. The Thames river overflowed, causing the most severe damage from a cyclone in Britain's recorded history. The biggest loss was the London Eye falling into the Thames. Extratropical Gaston caused about $40 billion in damage and 17 deaths in Britain.

Retirement
Due to severe impacts in Bermuda and the UK, the NHC retired the name Gaston from the rotating names lists. It will be replaced by Gulliver in the 2022 season.