In brief
Hurricane Gabrielle strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane, with winds of 120 mph. Situated southeast of Bermuda, it is forecasted to remain away from land, though its swells are affecting the East Coast. This year’s hurricane season has been relatively quiet, with experts indicating that more dangerous systems could still develop as the season continues until November 30. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Narda emerged in the Pacific, posing no threat to land.
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 reached 120 mph (191 kph), categorizing it as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane.Located approximately 195 miles (314 kilometers) southeast of Bermuda, the storm was moving north at about 10 mph (16 kph). Gabrielle had escalated from a Category 1 hurricane just the day before, fueled by warm Atlantic waters, and its trajectory suggests it will pass east of Bermuda.Swells generated by the storm were impacting Bermuda on Sunday as well as the U.S. East Coast, affecting areas from North Carolina to Canada’s Atlantic coast. Forecasters warned these swells could lead to life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.This year’s Atlantic hurricane season has been described as relatively quiet prior to Gabrielle, with only one named hurricane reported. Experts suggest several factors contribute to this lull in activity, yet caution that more hazardous systems might emerge as the season progresses towards its conclusion on November 30.In the Pacific arena, Tropical Storm Narda formed off the coast of Mexico on Sunday, also presenting no immediate threat to land. According to the hurricane center, Narda exhibited top sustained winds of approximately 45 mph (72 kph) and was located around 160 miles (258 kilometers) south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph). It is anticipated that Narda may develop into a hurricane by Tuesday.
