Hurricane Gabrielle rapidly intensifies into major hurricane as experts update storm's path
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: FOX 35 Orlando
Experts have issued an update on Hurricane Gabrielle, which could hit the US East Coast.
With the Atlantic hurricane season lasting until November 30, there is still unfortunately plenty of time for the US coast and even further inland to be impacted by tropical storms in 2025.
Hurricane Erin caused widespread disruption last month, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) now warning about Gabrielle, which was confirmed to be a hurricane on Sunday (September 21).
After nearly disappearing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on Friday and into Saturday, experts say Gabrielle is now a Category 3 storm.
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Category 3 is where the wind travels between 111 and 129 mph, according to the NHC.
Speaking of such grading, the NHC states: "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."
Providing an update on Gabrielle on Monday (September 22), the NHC said: "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 said 'life-threatening' rip currents could take place across a 2,000-mile stretch of the US, from Maine all the way down to Florida.
Meanwhile, the hurricane centre said: "These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions."
AccuWeather lead hurricane expert DaSilva is one of those closely monitoring things going on 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 said.
However, there are no watches or warnings in place, with Gabrielle sitting around 195 miles southeast of Bermuda as of Monday morning.
Gabrielle's center is expected to pass east of Bermuda on Monday evening, and is not expected to make landfall on the East Coast of the US.
Heading into Tuesday, the storm is expected to head more northeast.
It's not the only storm that is being tracked by experts, with DaSilva adding: "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."