Article first published: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, 4 a.m. ET
Article last updated: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, 1 a.m. ET
System type: Hurricane, Category 3
System name: Gabrielle
According to the National Hurricane Center’s 1 a.m. Wednesday advisory, the Category 4 hurricane named Gabrielle developed into a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 125 mph. Gabrielle was previously forecasted as a Category 4 hurricane but has since gained strength. Category 3 Hurricane Gabrielle is in the Atlantic Ocean, 1,430 miles west of the Azores. The hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, is moving east-northeast at 22 mph.
“… the center of Gabrielle will approach the Azores during the day on Thursday, and move across the island chain Thursday night into Friday”, analysts noted about the hurricane. They also said “Steady weakening is expected during the next couple of days, but Gabrielle is still expected to be a hurricane when it passes through the Azores.”
Watches and warnings currently in effect
• Hurricane Watch for All of the Azores
Meaning of the different watches and warnings
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
A Hurricane Warning will likely be issued for all of or portions of the Azores later this morning.
Hazards affecting land
Wind. Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area by Thursday night.
Storm surge. A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding near the areas of onshore winds. 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, the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina northward, and Atlantic Canada over the next few days. These swells are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Source: National Hurricane Center