Tropical Storm Gabrielle Struggles in Central Atlantic, Heads Toward Bermuda

Lead Tropical Storm Gabrielle churned 595 miles east-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands Friday morning with 50 mph winds, heading west-northwest at 12 mph and poised to strengthen into a hurricane by Sunday.

Nut Graf Now the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, Gabrielle remains far from the U.S. mainland but threatens life-hazardous surf and rip currents for Bermuda and nearby islands, underscoring the storm’s relevance even without landfall.

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Forecast Track and Strength Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) expect Gabrielle to turn northward over the weekend and pass at least 100 miles east of Bermuda by Sunday night, with sustained winds reaching hurricane force (74 mph) by then. A gradual intensification to Category 1 strength is anticipated before environmental conditions induce weakening early next week.

Hazards to Bermuda and Caribbean Swells generated by Gabrielle are already building along Bermuda’s shores, with life-threatening surf and rip currents forecast to arrive Friday night and persist through Monday. Although no watches or warnings are in effect, Bermuda residents should monitor local advisories. Elevated surf and hazardous rip currents may also affect portions of the northern Leeward Islands in coming days.

Storm Structure and Environment Despite its moderate wind field-tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 150 miles from the center-Gabrielle’s organization remains hampered by wind shear and dry air. Satellite estimates place the storm’s central pressure at 1004 mb, and limited deep convection has prevented rapid intensification so far.

Outlook for the U.S. Gabrielle’s projected track keeps it well offshore of the U.S. East Coast, with no coastal watches or warnings anticipated. Indirect effects-primarily rip currents-could reach the southeastern U.S. by mid-next week, but direct impacts remain unlikely barring a significant shift in trajectory.

What’s Next The NHC will issue its next advisory late Friday, likely nudging intensity forecasts upward as shear eases. Interests from Bermuda to the northern Caribbean should ensure hurricane preparedness plans are in place should the forecast cone tighten.