Article first published: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, 4 a.m. ET

Article last updated: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, 7 p.m. ET

System type: Hurricane, Category 2

System name: Gabrielle

According to the National Hurricane Center’s 7 p.m. Wednesday advisory, Gabrielle found new strength and has evolved from a Category 3 hurricane into a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 100 mph. Category 2 Hurricane Gabrielle is in the Atlantic Ocean, 915 miles west of the Azores. The hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, is moving east at 29 mph.

“… the center of Gabrielle will approach the Azores during the day on Thursday and move across the island chain late Thursday into early Friday”, according to meteorologists. They also said “Some weakening is forecast during the next few days, but Gabrielle is forecast to be at hurricane strength when it passes through the Azores.”

Yesterday (Tuesday)

Gabrielle became a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 100 mph after intensifying from a Category 4 hurricane.

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. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm- force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

Hazards affecting land

Wind. Hurricane conditions are expected in the Azores Thursday night into early Friday, with tropical storm conditions likely by Thursday evening. 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. From Thursday into Friday morning, Gabrielle may bring 3 to 5 inches, or 75 to 125 mm, of rainfall across the central and western Azores. During the same time, outer bands from Gabrielle may also result in 1 to 2 inches, or 25 to 50 mm, of rain across the eastern Azores.

Surf. Swells generated by Gabrielle will continue to affect Bermuda over the next couple of days, and the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina northward and Atlantic Canada over the next day or so. Swells from Gabrielle will begin reaching the Azores on Thursday. These swells are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center