Article first published: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, 4 a.m. ET

Article last updated: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, 4 p.m. ET

System type: Post-tropical cyclone

System name: Gabrielle

The National Hurricane Center’s 4 p.m. Thursday update reported that Gabrielle found new strength and had evolved from a Category 1 hurricane into a post-tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 70 mph. Post Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle is in the Atlantic Ocean, 265 miles west-southwest of the Azores. The system is moving to the east at 31 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.

“… the center of post-tropical Gabrielle will move across the Azores later tonight and early Friday, then approach the coast of Portugal by early Sunday”, forecasters wrote. “Gabrielle is forecast to be at or near hurricane strength when it passes through the Azores.” They also said “Then, weakening is expected over the weekend and into early next week.”

Yesterday (Wednesday)

Gabrielle strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane. It later devolved to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 70 mph. The Azores under a hurricane warning, forecasters report.

Watches and warnings currently in effect

• Hurricane Warning for All of the Azores

Meaning of the different watches and warnings

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case later tonight and early Friday. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

Hazards affecting land

Wind. Hurricane conditions, especially in gusts, are expected in the Azores later tonight and early Friday, with tropical storm conditions expected to spread across the islands during the next several hours. Significant hurricane-force wind gusts are likely across portions of the Azores even after the center passes.

Storm surge. A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds in the Azores. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

Rainfall. Through Friday morning, Gabrielle could produce up to 3 to 5 inches, 75 to 125 mm, of storm total rainfall across the central Azores. This rainfall could produce flash flooding within the mountains. Elsewhere, Gabrielle is expected to yield 1 to 3 inches, 25 to 75 mm, of rain across the western and eastern Azores.

Surf. Swells generated by Gabrielle will spread across the Azores soon and continue to affect the islands through the weekend. Swells from Gabrielle will reach the coast of Portugal on Saturday. These swells are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center