First Hurricane Gabrielle warnings issued
The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has issued its first warnings for Hurricane Gabrielle, currently moving east across the Atlantic towards the Azores, which are 1,300km northwest of the Canary Ilands where it is expected to arrive later tonight, Thursday, still as a hurricane.
Gabrielle is a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds of around 185 km/h and higher gusts. Forecasters expect a steady weakening over the next two days, but it is still likely to retain hurricane strength when passing through the Azores.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 75 km from its centre, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 220 km. Authorities also warn of heavy rain, dangerous seas, and potential coastal flooding in the islands.
Change in trajectory
Earlier forecasts suggested Gabrielle would continue north-west towards mainland Spain after hitting the Azores. However, the latest models show a shift in direction, with the storm now expected to weaken into a depression and head southeast, impacting Spain’s southwest coast as a low-pressure system.
Spain’s AEMET meteorological agency has noted possible strong winds, heavy seas, and rainfall linked to Gabrielle, but as yet has not issued official warnings.
Minimal impact expected in the Canaries
The storm’s current trajectory does not include the Canary Islands, and minimal effects are expected here.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1st June to 30th November. Although activity has been relatively low this year, experts remind residents and travellers that powerful storms can still form late in the season.
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