In brief
Gabrielle, now a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, is situated about 195 miles southeast of Bermuda. Although the storm is moving north and is expected to remain away from land, swells are impacting the U.S. East Coast, creating life-threatening surf and rip currents. The Atlantic hurricane season, which ends on Nov. 30, has seen limited activity this year, with Gabrielle being only the second named storm. In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Narda is also developing, with forecasts suggesting it may become a hurricane soon.
MIAMI (AP) — Gabrielle strengthened into a major hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday but was forecast to remain away from land.The Miami-based National Hurricane Center announced that Gabrielle’s maximum sustained winds increased to 120 mph (191 kph), categorizing it as a powerful Category 3 hurricane.As of now, the storm is positioned about 195 miles (314 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda and is moving north at a speed of approximately 10 mph (16 kph).Originally a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday, Gabrielle underwent rapid intensification in warm Atlantic waters and is now tracking east of Bermuda.Swells from Gabrielle reached Bermuda by Sunday and are affecting the U.S. East Coast, from North Carolina to Canada's Atlantic coastline. Forecasters have warned that these swells could lead to “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”The Atlantic hurricane season has been markedly quiet this year, with Gabrielle being only the second named hurricane thus far. Experts note various factors contributing to the subdued activity, yet caution that more dangerous systems may emerge as the season progresses.The Atlantic hurricane season concludes on November 30.In the Pacific, Tropical Storm Narda developed offshore of Mexico on Sunday but poses no immediate threat to land. The hurricane center reported that Narda had top sustained winds of around 45 mph (72 kph) and is approximately 160 miles (258 kilometers) south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph). Narda is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday.
