Hurricane Gabriel Upgraded to Major Category 3 Storm

Hurricane Gabriel has rapidly intensified and is now classified as a significant Category 3 storm as of Monday morning. This tropical cyclone has been strengthening on the eastern side of Bermuda, having previously battled against wind shear and dry air. It has now found favorable conditions in the warm waters of the Atlantic.

Currently, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring Gabriel closely as it moves toward Bermuda, while also keeping an eye on two other potential tropical systems developing in the days ahead.

As per the latest advisory from the NHC, Hurricane Gabriel boasts maximum sustained winds reaching 120 mph, with even faster gusts, marking it as a Category 3 storm. This rapid strengthening is defined as an increase of at least 35 mph in maximum sustained winds within a 24-hour period.

The NHC warns that Gabriel could escalate to Category 4 with winds of 130 mph as it approaches Bermuda. However, the hurricane is predicted to start weakening by Wednesday.

At the moment, Gabriel is located about 18 miles southeast of Bermuda, moving north at a speed of 10 mph. The storm is expected to accelerate on Tuesday and Wednesday, shifting toward either the northeast or east-east directions.

Even though a direct landfall in Bermuda is unlikely, the island will still experience swells generated by Gabriel, which are expected to last for several days, along with gusty winds and occasional showers.

Additionally, the effects of the storm are being felt along the US East Coast, particularly in North Carolina, extending all the way to the Atlantic Ocean near Canada. The impact will likely continue into the first half of the week.

As Gabriel approaches, there are concerns about dangerous rip currents and challenging surfing conditions at beaches.