North Carolina, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Tropical Storm Gabrielle has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, affecting the coastline with dangerous rip currents and life-threatening surf. As it moves northwest, swells have reached Bermuda and are predicted to impact North Carolina. The National Hurricane Center has warned beachgoers to avoid entering the water due to hazardous conditions. Gabrielle, the seventh named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, could further intensify in the coming days.
Hurricane Gabrielle Strengthens, Impacts Coastline
On September 21, 2025, Tropical Storm Gabrielle intensified into a Category 1 hurricane as it moved through the Atlantic Ocean. At 11 a.m. Saturday, the storm was located approximately 615 miles southeast of Bermuda and was advancing at a speed of 13 mph. Initially recorded with maximum sustained wind speeds of 60 mph as a tropical storm, Gabrielle strengthened further to attain gusts of 75 mph since becoming a hurricane.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) had previously projected that Gabrielle would upgrade to hurricane status by Sunday, which has now been confirmed. The storm is expected to skirt east of Bermuda on Sunday night and into Monday, ensuring it stays a safe distance from the U.S. East Coast.
Despite its location, Gabrielle has already begun affecting the coastline. Swells generated by the hurricane are currently reaching Bermuda and are predicted to impact areas in North Carolina and the northern coast late this weekend and early next week. The NHC has issued warnings about life-threatening surf and dangerous rip current conditions as a result of these swells.
North Carolina’s coastal regions, particularly around Wilmington and the southern Outer Banks, are under a moderate risk for rip currents. Conversely, the northern Outer Banks — particularly Currituck Sound, Corolla, and Carova Beach — have been designated as having a high risk for rip currents. The NHC has cautioned all beachgoers, regardless of swimming ability, to refrain from entering the water due to hazardous conditions.
Gabrielle marks the seventh named storm of the ongoing 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. NOAA had forecasted 13 to 18 named storms for this season, with 5 to 9 expected to develop into hurricanes. The first hurricane of the season, Erin, also reached major hurricane status earlier in the year.
The NHC has indicated that further rapid intensification of Gabrielle could occur in the initial days of its hurricane classification. As of September 21, the storm was tracking northwest at 12 mph, with tropical storm-force winds extending up to 140 miles from its center.
Forecasts indicate that Gabrielle will continue its northwestern trajectory through Sunday before pivoting northward on Monday, then shifting northeast on Tuesday. At the time of reporting, there were no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
The formation of Gabrielle took place roughly a week after the historically active peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. This year has seen lower than expected activity, with only one other named storm, Chantal, having made landfall in the U.S. before Gabrielle.
Key Facts About Gabrielle
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | 1 Hurricane |
| Location | 615 miles southeast of Bermuda |
| Max Wind Speed | 75 mph |
| Movement | 13 mph Northwest |
| Impacted Areas | North Carolina & Bermuda |
| Risk Level | Moderate to High for Rip Currents |
| Season | 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season |
| NHC Warning | Life-threatening surf and rip currents |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What category is Hurricane Gabrielle?
Gabrielle became a Category 1 hurricane on September 21, 2025.
Where is Hurricane Gabrielle located?
As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Gabrielle was located about 615 miles southeast of Bermuda.
What are the risks associated with Gabrielle?
The NHC warned of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions resulting from the swells, with areas in North Carolina having a moderate to high risk of rip currents.
How many storms have been named in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season?
Gabrielle is the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Gabrielle Strengthens Off the Coast of Bermuda
Coastal Hazards Advisory for North Carolina Amid Rising Rip Current Risks
Rip Current Warning Issued for North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Tropical Disturbance May Develop into Depression This Week
Newport, North Carolina Faces Life-Threatening Rip Currents
Hurricane Erin Triggers Life-Threatening Coastal Conditions in North Carolina
North Carolina Launches Hurricane Preparedness Campaign
Additional Resources
- CBS17
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Gabrielle
- USA Today
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Gabrielle
- ABC11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm Gabrielle
- WXII12
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Gabrielle
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
