Hurricane Gabrielle rapidly strengthened into a Category 3 storm Monday in the central Atlantic, with winds reaching 120 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm intensified by 55 mph in just 24 hours, far surpassing the threshold for “rapid intensification.” Forecasters said it could reach Category 4 status later in the day.
[9:00AM 9/22] Hurricane Gabrielle is now a major hurricane with max sustained winds of 120 mph. Rapid intensification is underway as max winds jump from 90 to 120 mph in a matter of 3-4 hours. Still not a threat to land.#scwx #ncwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/IcnzVqRQ6o
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 22, 2025
Gabrielle was about 195 miles southeast of Bermuda on Monday morning. While the storm is expected to pass east of the island, it may bring rough surf, rain, and strong winds.
The hurricane is also forecast to generate dangerous rip currents along the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina to New England through midweek.
Hurricane Gabrielle has strengthened into a major storm in the Atlantic Ocean, but is forecast to remain away from land. https://t.co/gScL9GPtLo
— NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) September 22, 2025
Meteorologists are also monitoring two additional storm systems in the Atlantic. One has a high chance of becoming the season’s next named storm, while another east of the Lesser Antilles has a medium chance of development. September remains peak hurricane season.
