Photo: C
Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the Atlantic Ocean after a three-week pause in storm activity, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of Wednesday (September 17), Gabrielle is located about 1,085 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The storm is moving north-northwest at 22 mph and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend.
The NHC forecasts that Gabrielle will follow a northwestward path, remaining over open waters and posing no immediate threat to land. However, it could become a Category 1 hurricane by Sunday, potentially impacting Bermuda. The storm's development breaks a quiet period in the Atlantic during the peak of hurricane season, the longest such pause since 1992.
Gabrielle is currently facing challenges from wind shear and dry air, which may slow its intensification. However, conditions are expected to become more favorable over the weekend, allowing for potential strengthening. The NHC is also monitoring a tropical wave near the Cape Verde Islands, with a low chance of development in the coming days.
Despite the late start, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a total of 13-18 named storms for the 2025 season, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the majority of activity typically occurring after the statistical peak on September 10.