North Carolina, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Gabrielle has strengthened into a Category 4 storm, with maximum winds of 140 mph, and is currently impacting the North Carolina coast. Although it is not expected to make landfall in the U.S., dangerous surf and rip currents are anticipated along the coastline. The storm was located 180 miles east-southeast of Bermuda and is moving north-northeast. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring additional disturbances in the Atlantic. This marks the seventh named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is expected to exhibit above-normal activity.
Charleston
Hurricane Gabrielle has intensified into a major hurricane as of September 22, 2025, now classified as a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The storm is producing swells that have reached the U.S. East Coast and particularly affect North Carolina.
As of 5 p.m. on September 22, Gabrielle was located about 180 miles east-southeast of Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. The hurricane was classified as a Category 3 storm earlier that day before its rapid intensification. Currently, Gabrielle is moving toward the north-northeast at a speed of 12 mph and is expected to maintain this motion into the night. A shift to a faster northeastward or east-northeastward track is anticipated on September 23-24.
The center of Gabrielle is projected to pass east of Bermuda on the night of September 22, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). While gradual weakening of the hurricane is anticipated on September 23 and 24, it is important to note that Gabrielle is not expected to make landfall in the U.S.. However, the storm may still impact North Carolina with dangerous conditions.
Swells from Gabrielle have already begun to affect the North Carolina coast, resulting in risks of life-threatening surf and rip currents. The National Weather Service’s Forecast Office in Newport/Morehead City has issued rip current risks for multiple areas. Additionally, the Wilmington Forecast Office has declared rip current risks for all southeast North Carolina beaches except for Brunswick County.
Meanwhile, the NHC is also tracking two additional disturbances in the Atlantic. One tropical wave is located about 300 miles east of the Leeward Islands and has a low chance of developing into a tropical depression within 48 hours, but a medium chance over the next week. Another wave, positioned midway between the Cabo Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles, is expected to develop into a tropical depression by September 24.
Gabrielle is the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which is forecasted to run through November 30. The first hurricane of the season, Erin, was also a major hurricane and caused dangerous coastal conditions along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. NOAA predicted above-normal hurricane activity for the 2025 season, estimating a range of 13 to 18 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes, and 2-5 major hurricanes, defined as having winds of at least 111 mph.
The next named storm in the season will be Humberto.
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Gabrielle as of September 22, 2025?
Hurricane Gabrielle has intensified into a major hurricane as of September 22, 2025, now classified as a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Where was Hurricane Gabrielle located according to the latest report?
As of 5 p.m. on September 22, Gabrielle was located about 180 miles east-southeast of Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
Is Hurricane Gabrielle expected to make landfall in the U.S.?
While Gabrielle is not expected to make landfall in the U.S., it may still impact North Carolina with dangerous conditions.
What risks are posed by the swells from Hurricane Gabrielle?
Swells from Gabrielle have already started affecting the North Carolina coast, contributing to risks of life-threatening surf and rip currents.
What is the forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season?
NOAA predicted above-normal hurricane activity for the 2025 season, estimating between 13 and 18 named storms, with 5-9 hurricanes, and 2-5 major hurricanes, defined as having winds of at least 111 mph.
What is the next named storm in the 2025 season?
The next named storm in the season will be Humberto.
Key Features of Hurricane Gabrielle
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | 4 |
| Max Winds | 140 mph |
| Location | 180 miles east-southeast of Bermuda |
| Movement | North-northeast at 12 mph |
| Next Storm Name | Humberto |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Gabrielle Strengthens as It Approaches Bermuda
Hurricane Gabrielle Strengthens, Impacts Coastline
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
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Gabrielle
- 6abc News
- Google Search: Hurricane Gabrielle
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Gabrielle
- WXII 12 News
- Weather.com
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.
