Introduction to Tropical Storm Gabrielle
Tropical Storm Gabrielle was struggling to maintain its strength early Thursday and is expected to encounter challenging atmospheric conditions in the central Atlantic. However, forecasters predict that the storm may pick up speed and reach hurricane strength southeast of Bermuda early next week.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Gabrielle’s maximum sustained winds were 50 mph on Thursday morning, holding steady or possibly decreasing, despite being a large storm.
Current Status and Forecast
The National Hurricane Center said, “However, the models suggest that the storm could move into more conducive conditions late in the weekend and early next week, which should cause Gabrielle to become more symmetric and strengthen.” Even if the storm does strengthen, long-range forecasting models show the track taking a tight turn to the north, keeping it far southeast of Bermuda and well clear of land.
Challenges and Uncertainties
Hurricane Center forecasters warned that confidence in the forecast remains low for Gabrielle and could change over the next several days as the system tries to hold together. “The environment now and ahead is far from pristine, with a series of upper-level lows acting as speed bumps along its path,” wrote Michael Lowry, hurricane specialist at WPLG-Ch. 10 Miami in a newsletter. “So future Gabrielle has some work to do to fend off bouts of shear and dry air.”
Other Potential Systems
On Wednesday, the Hurricane Center was monitoring two other potential systems emerging behind Gabrielle, but by Thursday, only one remained. It is poised for some slow development with a 20% chance of becoming a tropical system in the next seven days.
The forecast track of Tropical Storm Gabrielle as of 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. (National Hurricane Center/Courtesy)
Forecasters are monitoring an area in the Atlantic for possible tropical development over the next week. (National Hurricane Center/courtesy)
Seasonal Outlook
So far in 2025, there have been six named storms. AccuWeather is now predicting 13 to 16 named storms and six to nine hurricanes, according to an update. Its previous forecast, issued in March, predicted 13 to 18 named storms and seven to 10 hurricanes. The estimated range of storms with direct impacts to the U.S. remains the same, however, at three to six. AccuWeather is still forecasting three to five major hurricanes this season.
Warning and Precautions
Alex DaSilva, the company’s lead hurricane expert, emphasized that people should not let their guards down, pointing to hurricanes Helene and Milton, both of which developed after the peak of hurricane season and made landfall in Florida.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Gabrielle is facing challenges in maintaining its strength due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions. However, forecasters predict that it may strengthen into a hurricane early next week. It is essential for people in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Tropical Storm Gabrielle?
A: As of Thursday morning, Gabrielle’s maximum sustained winds were 50 mph, holding steady or possibly decreasing.
Q: Is Gabrielle expected to strengthen into a hurricane?
A: Yes, forecasters predict that Gabrielle may move into more conducive conditions late in the weekend and early next week, causing it to become more symmetric and strengthen into a hurricane.
Q: What is the forecasted track of Gabrielle?
A: Long-range forecasting models show the track taking a tight turn to the north, keeping it far southeast of Bermuda and well clear of land.
Q: Are there any other potential systems being monitored?
A: Yes, the Hurricane Center is monitoring an area in the Atlantic for possible tropical development over the next week, with a 20% chance of becoming a tropical system.
Q: What is the predicted number of named storms and hurricanes for the 2025 season?
A: AccuWeather is predicting 13 to 16 named storms and six to nine hurricanes, with three to five major hurricanes.
Originally Published: September 18, 2025 at 7:54 AM EDT
