Tropical storm Gabrielle expected to strengthen into a hurricane this weekend as it moves across the Atlantic; see its path and potential impact on the region

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by Sunday(September 21) as it moves into the open central Atlantic and turns toward Bermuda, the US National Hurricane Center. “Gradual strengthening is forecast, and Gabrielle is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday,” the NHC wrote in its public advisory. Gabrielle is forecast to remain at hurricane strength as it turns northeastward in the Atlantic by Tuesday, Sept. 23.

The center of Gabrielle was near latitude 22.4°N, longitude 56.6°W, roughly 915 miles southeast of Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and tropical-storm-force winds extending out as far as 150 miles from the center. The storm was moving west-northwest at about 12 mph.

Forecasters expect Gabrielle to turn northwest by Friday night, then north-northwest Saturday and northward by Sunday night, carrying the storm east of Bermuda Sunday night into Monday. The NHC cautioned that while the official track keeps the center offshore, hazards will reach well away from the center and local impacts remain possible.


Even though Gabrielle’s center is projected to pass no closer than about 160 miles east of Bermuda, forecasters caution that residents should keep monitoring the storm, since the typical track error at three days is roughly 100 miles. Currently, Bermuda faces a 20 percent–25 percent chance of seeing tropical-storm-force winds. Waves near Gabrielle’s center are currently around 20 feet and could climb to 28 feet by Sept. 22. The storm’s swells are expected to reach Bermuda and intensify through the weekend, creating dangerous surf and rip current conditions, forecasters warned.

A brief tropical depression could still develop before the system moves into cooler waters and drier air, conditions expected to limit further growth. They currently give it a 40 percent chance of formation.

FAQs

What is the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?

A tropical storm is a rotating system of thunderstorms with maximum sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph. Once sustained winds reach 74 mph or higher, the system is classified as a hurricane.

What should people do to prepare for a hurricane?

Residents in hurricane-prone areas should monitor official forecasts, have an emergency kit ready, secure property, and know local evacuation routes. It’s also critical to follow guidance from local authorities if evacuation orders are issued.

What are the main hazards from a hurricane?

The biggest dangers include storm surge (coastal flooding from ocean water pushed ashore), heavy rainfall and flooding, destructive winds, and tornadoes.