Tropical Storm Gabrielle: Forecast, Track, and Potential Impacts

Tropical Storm Gabrielle, the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, has formed in the central Atlantic. As it intensifies, Gabrielle is expected to become a hurricane, posing potential threats to Bermuda and generating hazardous swells along the U.S. East Coast.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle: Forecast, Track, and Potential Impacts

Tropical Storm Gabrielle has developed in the central Atlantic Ocean, marking the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. As of September 21, 2025, Gabrielle is intensifying and is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday. Forecasters are closely monitoring its progression and potential impacts on the Atlantic region.

Formation and Current Status

Gabrielle formed on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, approximately 990 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands. At that time, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving northwest at 14 mph. Since then, Gabrielle has strengthened, with winds increasing to 65 mph as of Sunday morning. The storm is tracking north-northwest at 9 mph and is expected to continue intensifying over the next 24 hours.

Projected Path and Potential Impacts

According to the National Hurricane Center, Gabrielle is projected to pass east of Bermuda on Monday, September 22. While the storm is expected to remain offshore, there remains a 20-25% chance that Bermuda could experience tropical-storm-force winds. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation due to the potential impact despite the storm not making direct landfall.

Swells generated by Gabrielle are forecast to reach the East Coast from North Carolina northward to Atlantic Canada on Sunday, with swells continuing into early next week. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, posing significant hazards to beachgoers and coastal residents.

Development into a Hurricane

Forecasters anticipate that Gabrielle will strengthen into a hurricane by Sunday, September 21. However, the storm faces structural challenges due to wind shear and dry air, which may limit its intensification. Despite these challenges, more favorable conditions could lead to further strengthening later in the weekend. If Gabrielle becomes a hurricane, it will be only the second to do so this season, following Hurricane Erin.

Historical Context and Naming

The name Gabrielle has been used multiple times in the Atlantic hurricane season. In 1989, Gabrielle reached hurricane strength as a Category 4 storm, causing ocean swells along the U.S. East Coast. Other instances include 1995, 2001, 2007, 2013, and 2019, with varying impacts ranging from minimal to significant. The name is part of the rotating six-year naming list curated by the World Meteorological Organization, reused unless retired due to particularly destructive impacts.

Preparedness and Safety Measures

While Gabrielle is not expected to make landfall, residents along the U.S. East Coast, particularly in North Carolina and Atlantic Canada, should remain vigilant. Coastal areas should prepare for hazardous surf conditions and rip currents. Beachgoers are advised to exercise caution and heed local warnings. Additionally, those in Bermuda should stay informed about the storm's progression and be prepared for possible tropical-storm-force winds.

Conclusion

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is intensifying as it moves through the central Atlantic. While the storm is expected to remain offshore, it poses potential risks to Bermuda and generates hazardous conditions along the U.S. East Coast. Residents in affected areas should stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Forecasters will continue to monitor Gabrielle's development and provide updates as the situation evolves.