In brief
Gabrielle, currently situated southeast of Bermuda, has increased in intensity to a major hurricane. Although it is generating swells that could create life-threatening conditions along the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda, it is not expected to make landfall. In contrast, the Atlantic hurricane season has been relatively quiet so far. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Narda is developing in the Pacific.
MIAMI (AP) — Gabrielle strengthened into a major hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday but was forecast to remain away from land. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported that Gabrielle’s maximum sustained winds increased to 120 mph (191 kph), categorizing it as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane.Currently, the storm is located about 195 miles (314 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda and is moving north at about 10 mph (16 kph). Gabrielle had initially formed as a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday before intensifying in the warm Atlantic waters. Swells generated by Gabrielle reached Bermuda on Sunday and began affecting the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina up to Canada’s Atlantic coastline. Forecasters have warned that these swells could lead to “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”Despite the escalating intensity of Gabrielle, this year’s Atlantic hurricane season has been relatively uneventful with only one named hurricane prior to Gabrielle. Experts caution that while the season has been quiet, this does not prevent the formation of dangerous storms.The hurricane season in the Atlantic runs until November 30. Meanwhile, in the Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Narda emerged off the coast of Mexico, presenting no threat to land at this time. According to the hurricane center, Narda has top sustained winds of about 45 mph (72 kph) and is currently about 160 miles (258 kilometers) south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, while moving to the west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph). Narda is anticipated to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday.
