 Gerald formed within the monsoon trough in the northern South China Sea, where it meandered for its existence. The initial surface low formed on August 12 near 18N 117E. Slow development continued, and when the remains of Tropical Depression 09W / Gloring became absorbed by this cyclone, thunderstorm activity increased significantly. The system was a monsoon depression, with a central pressure of 997 hectopascals (29.4 inHg) and winds of up to 30 knots (56 km / h) a bit to the south of the circulation center. The storm's maximum sustained winds began to migrate closer to the center, and it became a tropical storm on the morning of August 16. Drifting west, Gerald slowly intensified for the next couple days. As Holly developed east of Taiwan, its outflow sheared Gerald, keeping the system from becoming a typhoon. Holly's proximity led to Gerald completing a small cyclonic loop on August 17. As Holly turned northwest, Gerald drifted westward once again. By August 20, Holly's large circulation over the East China Sea lured Gerald northeast. Shearing again increased, weakening Gerald. The cyclone made landfall 95 kilometres (59 mi) east-northeast of Hong Kong as a tropical depression. Winds gusted to 62 knots (115 km / h) at Tate's Cairn. Once inland, it turned to the north and weakened rapidly.
