Hurricane Gabrielle Strengthens, Posing Rip Current Threat to US East Coast
Hurricane Gabrielle has strengthened into a major hurricane in the Atlantic, reaching Category 4 status with maximum sustained winds reaching 140 mph. As of Monday, the National Hurricane Center is forecasting the storm to pass east of Bermuda, posing no immediate threat to land. However, dangerous swells are expected along the U.S. East Coast and Atlantic Canada.
Current Status and Forecast
According to the National Hurricane Center's latest advisory, Hurricane Gabrielle was located approximately 180 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. The storm is moving north-northeast at 12 mph. While no coastal watches or warnings are in effect for the U.S., residents of Bermuda should monitor the storm's progress.
- Location: 180 miles east-southeast of Bermuda
- Maximum Sustained Winds: 140 mph
- Movement: North-northeast at 12 mph
- Pressure: 948 mb
Forecasters expect Gabrielle to gradually weaken over the next few days as it encounters drier air and wind shear. However, it is crucial to note that the center of the storm could travel outside the NHC forecast cone up to 33% of the time.
Impact on Coastal Areas
Even though Hurricane Gabrielle is expected to remain offshore, swells generated by the storm will impact Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast, from North Carolina northward to Atlantic Canada. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. A rip current statement is in effect for the east coast of Florida down to West Palm Beach until Wednesday.
The swells from Hurricane Gabrielle reached Bermuda on Sunday. Beachgoers along the East Coast are urged to exercise caution and heed local alerts.
Broader Context of the Hurricane Season
Gabrielle is the seventh named storm and the second hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The first hurricane, Erin, reached Category 5 status earlier in August. While the season has been relatively quiet overall, experts emphasize the potential for dangerous systems to still form before the season ends on November 30.
Pacific Developments
Meanwhile, in the Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Narda has formed off the coast of Mexico. While currently posing no immediate threat to land, it is forecast to intensify into a hurricane. Coastal parts of Mexico could receive up to 4 inches of rain.
| Location | Maximum Sustained Winds | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Gabrielle | 140 mph | Dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast and Atlantic Canada. |
| Tropical Storm Narda | 60 mph | Heavy rainfall in coastal Mexico. |
