Tropical Storm Gabrielle Hurricane Path: Where the Category 1 Storm Is Headed

Tropical Storm Gabrielle has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane and is now moving across the Atlantic toward the Azores, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is not expected to threaten the U.S. mainland but will affect ocean conditions along the East Coast.

The Portuguese Meteorological Service has issued a hurricane warning for the Azores. Forecasters say Gabrielle could bring strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf when it arrives late Thursday, Sept. 25. The storm is forecast to weaken and dissipate early Saturday, Sept. 27, before reaching mainland Portugal early Sunday, Sept. 28.

Hurricane Gabrielle Forecast and Current Conditions

As of Thursday, Gabrielle is packing maximum sustained winds of about 85 mph. The NHC expects the storm to maintain hurricane strength as it nears the Azores. The islands could experience damaging gusts, flooding rains, and rough seas as the core of the storm passes.

Although Gabrielle’s track has shifted away from the U.S., the NHC warns that the hurricane will continue to produce large ocean swells. These swells will impact Bermuda and extend to the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina northward. Atlantic Canada will also feel the effects. Forecasters say these swells may cause “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”

The NHC’s official forecast cone shows the storm moving northeast across the Atlantic, with the center possibly passing near or over parts of the Azores late Thursday. The track forecast can change, and the NHC notes the center can wander outside the predicted cone about 33% of the time.

Other Atlantic and Pacific Tropical Activity

Gabrielle is not the only storm in the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Humberto, the season’s eighth named storm, has formed in the central Atlantic. It is moving northwest at about 10 mph with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph. The NHC expects Humberto to strengthen over warm waters, likely reaching hurricane status over the weekend and possibly becoming a major hurricane next week.

Forecasters are also monitoring Invest 94L, a tropical wave near the Dominican Republic. The system is bringing showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. It is expected to move northwest and could develop into a tropical depression once it nears the Bahamas later this week.

In the Pacific, Hurricane Narda remains a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of about 90 mph. Narda is creating dangerous surf along Mexico’s southwestern and west-central coasts. Swells are expected to reach Baja California Sur and southern California over the weekend.

Hurricane Gabrielle hurricane warnings remain in effect for the Azores. Residents and travelers should stay updated with official advisories from the National Hurricane Center and the Portuguese Meteorological Service.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Where is Hurricane Gabrielle headed?

It is moving toward the Azores and will arrive late Thursday, Sept. 25, before weakening.

Q2: Will Hurricane Gabrielle impact the U.S.?

No direct landfall is expected. But it will cause dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast.

Q3: How strong is Hurricane Gabrielle right now?

It is a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 85 mph.

Q4: What other storms are active in the Atlantic?

Tropical Storm Humberto is strengthening. Invest 94L near the Caribbean could develop soon.

Q5: What is happening in the Pacific?

Hurricane Narda is moving near Mexico and causing dangerous surf along the coast.

References

National Hurricane Center. (2025). Hurricane Gabrielle Public Advisory – Sept. 25, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Hurricane Gabrielle moves toward Azores, spares U.S. coast – Sept. 25, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). Tropical Storm Humberto forms as Atlantic hurricane season stays active – Sept. 25, 2025.