MIAMI (AP) — A hurricane warning has been issued for the Azores as Hurricane Gabrielle churns Wednesday across open Atlantic waters, making its way toward the volcanic archipelago.
The Category 3 storm is forecast to weaken but will still approach the Azores late Thursday as a hurricane, potentially bringing dangerous conditions Thursday night and Friday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Waves generated by Gabrielle will affect various regions including Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina northward, and the Atlantic coast of Canada. Authorities warn of life-threatening surf and rip currents.
In the Pacific, Hurricane Narda has strengthened to a Category 2 storm while moving away from Mexico.
Currently, Gabrielle is situated approximately 1,360 miles (2,189 kilometers) west of the Azores. The storm may lead to significant coastal flooding and large, destructive waves, with forecasts predicting up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain across the central and western Azores from Thursday into Friday.
The hurricane warning has been issued by the Meteorological Service of Portugal. As of now, Gabrielle has maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph) and is moving east-northeast.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Narda boasts top sustained winds of 105 mph (169 kph) and is about 540 miles (869 kilometers) south of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, moving west without any coastal watches or warnings, as it is expected to remain offshore.
