* Date: September 17, 2018

* Location: Off the coast of North Carolina

* Maximum sustained winds: 115 mph

* Category: 2

Hurricane Gert is currently located about 200 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The storm is moving northeast at 10 mph. Gert is expected to strengthen slightly over the next 24 hours, but it is also expected to encounter increasing wind shear. This could weaken the storm and cause it to lose its tropical characteristics.

Satellite imagery shows that Gert is already being affected by wind shear. The storm's clouds are becoming more disorganized and the eye is no longer as well-defined. The wind shear is also causing the storm to tilt, which could make it more difficult to predict its future path.

Gert is not currently posing any threat to land, but forecasters are monitoring the storm closely in case it changes course.

What is wind shear?

Wind shear is the difference in wind speed and direction between two levels of the atmosphere. It can cause storms to weaken by disrupting their structure and causing them to lose their energy. Wind shear is most common in the upper atmosphere, but it can also occur near the surface.

How does wind shear affect hurricanes?

Wind shear can affect hurricanes in several ways. It can cause the storm to lose its symmetry, making it more difficult to predict its future path. Wind shear can also weaken the storm by disrupting the flow of warm, moist air into the storm's center. This can cause the storm to lose its energy and eventually dissipate.

What is the forecast for Hurricane Gert?

Forecasters expect Hurricane Gert to strengthen slightly over the next 24 hours. The storm is then expected to encounter increasing wind shear, which could weaken it and cause it to lose its tropical characteristics. Gert is not currently posing any threat to land, but forecasters are monitoring the storm closely in case it changes course.