Tropical Storm Gabrielle is rapidly intensifying as it nears Bermuda, bringing increasing concerns to the island. According to Newsweek, although the storm may not make direct landfall, its effects will still be felt strongly, particularly in the form of hazardous ocean conditions. Gabrielle’s strengthening could result in life-threatening surf and rip currents, posing significant risks to those near the coastline.
Additionally, while wind damage may be limited, rainfall and the storm’s overall progression are closely monitored. Authorities are preparing for potential impacts, and residents are being urged to stay informed as Gabrielle continues to develop.
The Growing Threat of Gabrielle
As of Saturday morning, Tropical Storm Gabrielle had regained strength after a brief struggle earlier in the week. With sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h), Gabrielle is moving northwest at 12 mph (19 km/h). The National Hurricane Center predicts that Gabrielle will strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane by early next week, with winds exceeding 95 mph (153 km/h).
Some reports even suggest that Gabrielle could reach a Category 3 hurricane status. This intensification means that even though Bermuda may avoid direct landfall, the island will still experience significant impacts from the storm.
Gabrielle is expected to gradually strengthen through the weekend and into early next week as it takes a curved path just east of Bermuda – said Alex DaSilva
Lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather. According to DaSilva, a
Weakness in the Bermuda high and steering winds
Will direct the storm north, keeping it far from the U.S. East Coast. However, if Gabrielle strengthens further, U.S. beaches could be affected by dangerous surf and rip currents.
The Ocean’s Dangerous Power
The primary danger posed by Tropical Storm Gabrielle comes from the hazardous ocean conditions it will create. Gabrielle’s swells, already beginning to impact Bermuda, are expected to intensify throughout the weekend. These swells can cause dangerous, life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the island’s coast.
Local authorities have issued warnings to avoid entering the water, as the storm continues to strengthen.
The Bermuda Weather Service has mentioned that they are observing the system closely but currently expect only “moderately rough seas”. However, with Gabrielle’s forecasted strengthening, these conditions are likely to worsen, and the risk of “life-threatening” ocean conditions will rise significantly.
As the storm moves east of Bermuda, its impact on the sea will be felt more intensely, particularly for swimmers and surfers who may underestimate the storm’s power.
What to Expect as Gabrielle Strengthens
While Gabrielle is expected to pass just east of Bermuda late Sunday into Monday, the storm’s trajectory keeps it far from the U.S. East Coast. However, if the storm reaches Category 3, U.S. beaches could face significant impacts, with larger waves and stronger rip currents.
The stronger Gabrielle becomes, the bigger the waves will be that reach U.S. beaches – DaSilva added.
If it reaches Category 3 near Bermuda, rough surf and dangerous rip currents could affect the Atlantic coast early next week. But if it stays weaker or tracks farther east, those impacts may be minimal.
For now, residents of Bermuda are being urged to monitor the storm closely and to stay updated with forecasts. Although direct wind damage may be limited, the island should remain vigilant in case of additional impacts as the storm continues to evolve.
