MIAMI — As Hurricane Gabrielle intensifies in the Atlantic, residents of the Azores face an approaching storm that, while expected to weaken, could still bring heavy rains and hazardous conditions. The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the region, predicting the storm will directly approach the islands late Thursday and Friday.
Hurricane Gabrielle, classified currently as a Category 3 storm, is expected to bring sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph). Forecasts indicate the storm's trajectory will lead it to the Azores, where rainfall could accumulate up to 5 inches (13 centimeters), causing potential coastal flooding.
Besides heavy rain, the hurricane is generating significant swells that are affecting Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and parts of Canada. Forecasters have warned of life-threatening surf conditions and rip currents that pose risks not just in the Azores, but along the entire Atlantic coastline.
Meanwhile, in the Pacific, Hurricane Narda has formed, equipped with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (169 kph). Narda's path appears to take it further away from land, posing less immediate risk to coastal communities than Gabrielle.
Residents in hurricane-prone areas are urged to prepare now for potentially severe weather, ensuring they have necessary supplies and a plan in place for safety.
