Article first published: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, 4 a.m. ET

Article last updated: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, 7 a.m. ET

System type: Tropical storm

System name: Gonzalo

The National Hurricane Center’s 7 a.m. Friday update reported that Tropical Storm Gonzalo is in the Atlantic Ocean, 120 miles east of the Southernmost Cabo Verde Islands. Packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, it is tracking to the north-northwest at 10 mph.

“… the center will pass near or over portions of the Cabo Verde Islands today and tonight,” according to meteorologists. They also said “Small intensity fluctuations are possible today, with a gradual weakening trend forecast to begin this weekend.”

Yesterday (Thursday)

Yesterday (Thursday) at 10 pm, the National Hurricane Center published the first advisory for a tropical storm.

Forecasters alert of a tropical storm warning issued for the Cabo Verde Islands.

Warning currently in effect

Tropical Storm Warning for The Cabo Verde Islands

Meaning of the warning

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within 12 hours.

Hazards affecting land

Wind. Tropical storm conditions are spreading over the Cabo Verde Islands and will continue through the day.

Rainfall. Tropical Storm Gonzalo is expected to produce rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches (25 to 75 mm) across the eastern portions of the Cabo Verde Islands today and on Saturday with less than 1 inch anticipated for the western side of the island chain. Heavy rain along the coastal areas of Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, and Senegal will produce totals between 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm) with isolated higher amounts along the immediate coast.

Surf. Swells generated by the storm are expected to affect the Cabo Verde Islands through Saturday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center