In brief
Hurricane Gabrielle has escalated to a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, located southeast of Bermuda and moving north. While posing risks of dangerous surf and rip currents, it is anticipated to remain distant from land. This year’s Atlantic hurricane season has seen limited activity, but forecasters warn that more intense storms could still arise.
MIAMI (AP) — Gabrielle has transformed into a powerful Category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (191 kph). The storm is currently situated approximately 195 miles (314 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda and is advancing northward at around 10 mph (16 kph). After initially becoming a Category 1 hurricane the previous day, Gabrielle intensified in the warm Atlantic waters. Forecasters anticipate the storm to pass east of Bermuda.Swells generated by Gabrielle reached Bermuda on Sunday and are affecting the U.S. East Coast, particularly from North Carolina to Canada’s Atlantic shore. Meteorologists warn that these swells could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents.This Atlantic hurricane season has been relatively unremarkable, with Gabrielle being only the second named hurricane of the year. Experts attribute the year’s slow start to various factors, yet they caution that the potential for further dangerous systems remains.The Atlantic hurricane season concludes on November 30.Meanwhile, in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Narda formed off the coast of Mexico and poses no immediate threat to land. The National Hurricane Center reports Narda has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph) and is situated about 160 miles (258 kilometers) south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph). Predictions indicate that Narda could strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday.
