Article first published: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, 10 p.m. ET

Article last updated: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, 1 a.m. ET

System type: Tropical storm

System name: Gonzalo

The National Hurricane Center’s 1 a.m. Friday advisory reported that Tropical Storm Gonzalo is in the Atlantic Ocean, 160 miles east-southeast of the Southernmost Cabo Verde Islands. It is moving north-northwest at 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.

“… the center will pass near or over portions of the Cabo Verde Islands today and tonight,” according to analysts. They also said “Some strengthening is possible today, with a gradual weakening trend forecast to begin this weekend.”

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 24 hours.

Hazards affecting land

Wind. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the Cabo Verde Islands within the warning area later this morning.

Rainfall. Tropical Storm Gonzalo is expected to produce rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches (30 to 75 mm) across the eastern portions of the Cabo Verde Islands on Friday and 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