Gabrielle to explode into a hurricane as models reveal shifting path

"AccuWeather meteorologists said Gabrielle is likely to reach Category 1 hurricane strength on Monday, with winds of 75 to 95 mph, and is expected to maintain that intensity through Wednesday, September 24. At that point, the storm is projected to wither back into a tropical storm as it spirals further into the middle of the Atlantic."

"The latest weather models have predicted that Gabrielle will make a sudden right turn as it nears Bermuda, taking it into a part of the Atlantic that should spare the US any major effects of the storm. Despite Gabrielle's new path, forecasters have warned that shifts in the storm's path could move it closer to parts of the Caribbean and the southeastern US. Regardless, rough surf and rip currents for coastal residents are the main concerns as Gabrielle spins away from the East Coast."

"AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said: 'Interests in the northeastern Caribbean and Bermuda should closely monitor the progress of Gabrielle, as any shift in its track could bring wind and rain to the Leeward Islands late this week and this weekend.' Gabrielle is expected to bring rough surf, strong gusts, and localized flooding to Bermuda early next week, though the severity will depend heavily on its track and intensity. Although major impacts to the US are not expected, rough surf and dangerous rip currents could affect the East Coast from mid- to late next week, as Gabrielle is forecast to pass near Bermuda."

Gabrielle currently has sustained winds of 50 mph as it moves into an area of the Atlantic. Meteorologists expect Gabrielle to strengthen to Category 1 hurricane strength on Monday with winds of 75 to 95 mph and to hold that intensity through Wednesday, September 24. After that, the storm is projected to weaken back into a tropical storm as it drifts into the middle Atlantic. Models predict a sudden right turn near Bermuda that would steer Gabrielle away from major US impacts, though track shifts could affect the Leeward Islands and the southeastern US. Coastal areas face rough surf and dangerous rip currents.

Read at Mail Online