Experts have provided new information on Hurricane Gabrielle, which poses a potential threat to the US East Coast.
The period for Atlantic hurricanes extends until November 30, meaning that the US coast and inland areas remain vulnerable to tropical storms throughout the 2025 season.
Last month, Hurricane Erin caused significant disruption, and now the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is issuing warnings about Gabrielle, which was officially designated a hurricane on Sunday (September 21).
After almost dissipating in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday and Saturday, Gabrielle has strengthened into a Category 3 storm, according to specialists.
Category 3 storms have wind speeds ranging from 111 to 129 mph, as defined by the NHC.
Regarding these classifications, the NHC explains: “Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.”
The NHC provided an update on Gabrielle on Monday (September 22), stating: “Maximum sustained winds remain near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts.
“Gabrielle is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Gabrielle could intensify even more today, though some weakening should begin by Wednesday.”
Forecasters at AccuWeather have indicated that ‘life-threatening’ rip currents might occur along a 2,000-mile expanse of the US coast, stretching from Maine to Florida.
The hurricane center also warned: “These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”
AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert DaSilva is among those paying close attention to developments this week.
“Since Gabrielle has reached major hurricane intensity east of Bermuda, rough surf and rip currents could be significant and dangerous for the Atlantic beaches early this week,” DaSilva commented.
Currently, there are no alerts or warnings in effect, with Gabrielle located approximately 195 miles southeast of Bermuda as of Monday morning.
The center of Gabrielle is projected to pass east of Bermuda on Monday evening and is not anticipated to make landfall on the US East Coast.
By Tuesday, the storm is expected to shift further northeast.
In addition to Gabrielle, experts are also monitoring other weather systems. DaSilva noted: “We are closely tracking a weak tropical wave moving toward the eastern Caribbean.
“This wave could develop once it reaches the Bahamas this weekend and has a medium risk of formation.”