Hurricane Gabrielle rapidly advancing into major hurricane as forecasters issue urgent warning of 'life-threatening' impact
Hurricane Gabrielle becomes a major Category 3 storm as meteorologists issue an urgent 'life-threatening' warning.
With less than three months to go before the end of a pretty quiet Atlantic hurricane season, Gabrielle marks only the seventh named storm.
That said, there's still sadly plenty of time for the tropical weather to impact coastal and inland areas in the US.
According to meteorologists at the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), Hurricane Gabrielle could impact 2,000 miles of the US coastline.
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Last month, Hurricane Erin caused widespread disruption, with Gabrielle now taking over as a major hurricane from Sunday (20 September).
The storm's development has been somewhat dramatic.
After nearly vanishing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean from Friday into Saturday, Gabrielle roared back to life as a powerful Category 3 hurricane with devastating potential. Category 3 packs winds between 111 and 129 mph, the NHC stated.
The agency warned: "Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends.
"Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes."
In Monday's update (22 September), the NHC reported maximum sustained winds 'near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts.'
"Gabrielle is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Gabrielle could intensify even more today, though some weakening should begin by Wednesday," they added.
The hurricane's current position places it approximately 195 miles southeast of Bermuda as of Monday morning, with the centre expected to pass east of the island Monday evening. Despite Gabrielle not being forecast to make direct landfall on the US East Coast, its effects will be felt across an enormous area.
AccuWeather forecasters have issued warnings about 'life-threatening' rip currents that could impact a staggering 2,000-mile stretch of American coastline, from Maine all the way down to Florida.
Lead hurricane expert DaSilva at AccuWeather is closely monitoring if the storm progresses this week.
"Since Gabrielle has reached major hurricane intensity east of Bermuda, rough surf and rip currents could be significant and dangerous for the Atlantic beaches early this week," DaSilva said.
Meanwhile, DaSilva is also tracking a 'weak tropical wave' that's moving toward the eastern Caribbean.
"This wave could develop once it reaches the Bahamas this weekend and has a medium risk of formation," the expert explained.
Adding to concerns, Ken Graham, National Weather Service director, previously warned that every Category 5 hurricane to hit the US was merely a tropical storm or lesser just three days prior to impact.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has already warned that 2025 could be a nightmare year for major hurricanes, as Atlantic water temperatures are reaching record highs.