Introduction to Tropical Storm Gabrielle
Tropical Storm Gabrielle is forecast to grow into a hurricane by Sunday, but threats to land have continued to diminish as models come into strong agreement that the storm will have turned north before it strengthens, according to National Weather Center forecasters.
Gabrielle has changed little over the past 48 hours, consistently holding maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and slogging west-northwest at 12 mph.
Current State of the Storm
“Tropical Storm Gabrielle does not look like much of a storm,” Fox Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross wrote on his blog, Hurricane Intel. “It’s basically a low-level swirl with a few associated thunderstorms. Dry air is being forced into the circulation by hostile upper winds from an upper low to its north.”
But late in the weekend, Gabrielle will reach an area where it will be able to grow and will likely reach hurricane strength — winds of 74 mph or higher — in the open waters between the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Forecast Track and Potential Impacts
It is forecast to track east of Bermuda on Monday, possibly as a Category 2 hurricane, and curve northeast away from land, though Norcross pointed out that some models take the storm closer to the island as a hurricane.
“Interests on Bermuda should monitor Gabrielle’s forecasts since it is too soon to specify the magnitude of potential wind and rainfall impacts,” Hurricane Center forecasters said.
Here’s the forecast track of Tropical Storm Gabrielle as of 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (National Hurricane Center/courtesy)
Other Tropical Activity
Meanwhile, the Hurricane Center also is monitoring a tropical wave that is forecast to move off the coast of Africa in the coming days and has a low chance of developing in the Atlantic over the next week.
Because that system has yet to develop, there are no forecast tracks. The National Weather Service’s map shows the area in which tropical development could occur in the next seven days.
A tropical wave near the coast of Africa has a 20% chance of developing in the central Atlantic over the next week. (National Hurricane Center/courtesy)
Seasonal Forecast Updates
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.
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 expected to become a hurricane by the weekend but currently poses minimal threats to land. However, interests in Bermuda should closely monitor the storm’s development and forecast track. The 2025 hurricane season has been relatively quiet so far, but the potential for storms to develop after the peak season should remind everyone to remain vigilant.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of Tropical Storm Gabrielle?
A: As of the last update, Gabrielle has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving west-northwest at 12 mph. - Q: Is Tropical Storm Gabrielle expected to become a hurricane?
A: Yes, forecasters expect Gabrielle to reach hurricane strength by the weekend. - Q: What areas are under potential threat from Tropical Storm Gabrielle?
A: Currently, Bermuda is the area of most concern, with the storm forecast to pass east of the island possibly as a Category 2 hurricane. - Q: How many named storms have occurred in the 2025 season so far?
A: There have been six named storms as of the last update. - Q: What is the updated forecast for the total number of named storms and hurricanes in the 2025 season?
A: AccuWeather predicts 13 to 16 named storms and six to nine hurricanes.
