Hurricane Gabrielle Surges Back to Category 3, Raising East Coast Concerns
Meteorologists are raising alarms as Hurricane Gabrielle, once believed to be weakening, has unexpectedly intensified into a major hurricane. What seemed like a dying storm just days ago has now regained strength, with winds reaching near 120 mph, prompting heightened concern along the East Coast.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, active through November 30, remains unpredictable. Gabrielle officially reached hurricane status on Sunday, September 21, and has since escalated to Category 3, as reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The storm had nearly dissipated late last week but rapidly strengthened over the weekend. With its current power, Gabrielle threatens severe damage, including destruction to well-built homes, widespread power outages, and downed trees blocking roads for potentially weeks.
Coastal communities should also brace for dangerous rip currents and rough surf, expected to extend across a massive 2,000-mile stretch from Maine to Florida. These hazardous conditions may affect beaches far from the storm’s center early this week.
As of Monday morning, Gabrielle was located about 195 miles southeast of Bermuda. Forecasts predict the hurricane will pass just east of Bermuda Monday night, sparing the island a direct hit, before turning northeast on Tuesday.
AccuWeather analyst DaSilva cautioned, “Since Gabrielle has reached major hurricane intensity east of Bermuda, rough surf and rip currents could be significant and dangerous for Atlantic beaches early this week.”
In addition, meteorologists are tracking a weak tropical wave moving toward the eastern Caribbean, with a medium chance of strengthening near the Bahamas this weekend.
Conclusion
Hurricane Gabrielle’s sudden reemergence as a major hurricane underscores the ongoing risks of the Atlantic hurricane season. While a direct impact on the U.S. remains uncertain, coastal residents should remain vigilant against dangerous surf and rip currents, as well as the potential for additional tropical developments in the days ahead.