Gabrielle becomes second hurricane of 2025 Atlantic season, swells affecting Bermuda, U.S. East Coast, and Atlantic Canada
Tropical Storm Gabrielle intensified into a hurricane on September 21, 2025, becoming the second hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season after Erin. The storm is forecast to undergo rapid strengthening and could become a major hurricane early this week as it passes east of Bermuda. Swells and rip currents are already affecting Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and Atlantic Canada.
Satellite image of Tropical Storm Gabrielle at 12:00 UTC on September 21, 2025. Credit: NOAA/GOES-East, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Gabrielle intensified into a hurricane at 21:00 UTC (17:00 AST) on September 21, becoming the second hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season.
At that time, the center was located about 515 km (320 miles) southeast of Bermuda. Maximum sustained winds were 120 km/h (75 mph) with higher gusts, and the minimum central pressure was 992 hPa.
At 09:00 UTC on September 22, the center of Hurricane Gabrielle was located 335 km (210 miles) SE of Bermuda. The system had maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph) and minimum central pressure of 978 hPa.
Gabrielle was moving NNW at a speed of 17 km/h (10 mph). A turn toward the north is forecast later today, followed by a faster northeastward or east-northeastward motion on Tuesday.
On the forecast track, the center of Gabrielle is expected to pass east of Bermuda tonight, September 22.
Additional steady to rapid intensification is expected over the next 24–48 hours, and Gabrielle could reach major hurricane strength early this week. Hurricane-force winds currently extend about 35 km (25 miles) from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching up to 280 km (175 miles).
The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) forecasts Gabrielle’s closest approach at roughly 290 km (180 miles) east-southeast of the island late on September 22.
While the strongest winds are expected to remain offshore, Bermuda may experience showers, gusty conditions, and large southeast swells. Seas are forecast to become rough with an increased rip current risk, particularly along southern and eastern coasts.
Swells generated by Gabrielle are already affecting Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina northward, and Atlantic Canada, producing dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents. These hazards are expected to continue through the coming days.
Forecast confidence is relatively high for the next 36 hours as Gabrielle moves around the western edge of a subtropical ridge.
Model guidance diverges by September 25, with solutions ranging from recurvature into the open Atlantic to scenarios bringing the system closer to Atlantic Canada or the Azores.
Intensity forecasts suggest Gabrielle will strengthen further during the next 24–48 hours over warm waters, though moderate westerly shear and drier air could limit intensification. Weakening is likely later this week as the storm encounters cooler sea-surface temperatures and less favorable atmospheric conditions.
At present, no coastal watches or warnings are in effect. NHC advises Bermuda to continue monitoring Gabrielle’s progress. Mariners and coastal communities along the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada should remain alert for hazardous marine conditions, including dangerous surf and rip currents.
References:
1 Hurricane Gabrielle Forecast/Advisory Number 20 – NHC – September 22, 2025
2 Bermuda Public Forecast – BWS – September 22, 2025
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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