North Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
North Carolina is closely monitoring Hurricane Gabrielle, a Category 4 storm with maximum winds of 130 mph, currently 520 miles from Bermuda. Life-threatening rip currents are anticipated along the Outer Banks as the storm moves east-northeast. Although the hurricane is expected to weaken, it could remain a hurricane when approaching the Azores. Currently, no mandatory evacuations or road closures are in effect in North Carolina, unlike previous storms. The season has already seen seven named storms, indicating above-normal activity in the Atlantic.
North Carolina is currently monitoring the impact of Hurricane Gabrielle, a Category 4 storm as of September 23, 2025. With maximum sustained winds reaching 130 mph, Gabrielle is positioned approximately 520 miles east-northeast of Bermuda and moving at 21 mph in an east-northeast direction. The storm is projected to produce life-threatening rip currents along the Outer Banks and the North Carolina coastline, where a high or moderate rip current risk has already been reported.
The hurricane’s current trajectory indicates it will continue moving away from Bermuda over the next several days. Meteorologists have issued a hurricane watch for all Azores islands as Gabrielle is expected to pass by them as a hurricane on September 25-26, 2025. While predictions suggest that Gabrielle may weaken in the coming days, it is likely to maintain hurricane status when it approaches the Azores.
Despite the threatening conditions, there are currently no mandatory evacuation measures or road closures in effect in North Carolina due to Gabrielle. This is a significant difference from the previous hurricane, Erin, which prompted multiple emergency evacuations and road closures. Swells caused by Gabrielle will impact surf conditions throughout the week, adding to the risks posed to coastal residents and visitors.
The current hurricane season, which extends through November 30, 2025, has been notably active with seven named storms so far. Gabrielle marks the second major hurricane of the season, following Erin. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted at least 13 named storms for the season, while Colorado State University forecasts estimate a total of 16 named storms, suggesting above-normal activity in the Atlantic.
As for Hurricane Gabrielle’s structure, its winds extend 140 miles outward from the center, with hurricane-force winds reaching up to 45 miles from the eye of the storm. Meteorologists are also keeping a close watch on two additional tropical waves developing in the Atlantic, one with a 90% chance of developing into Tropical Storm Humberto and another at a 60% chance of developing into Tropical Storm Imelda. The second tropical wave is expected to impact Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with heavy winds and rain from Tuesday night into Wednesday.
As the situation develops, residents and travelers along the North Carolina coast are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared for potentially dangerous surf conditions and rip currents that could occur due to Hurricane Gabrielle.
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Gabrielle?
Hurricane Gabrielle remains a Category 4 storm as of September 23, 2025, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
How far is Hurricane Gabrielle from Bermuda?
The hurricane is approximately 520 miles east-northeast of Bermuda, moving at 21 mph in an east-northeast direction.
What risks does Hurricane Gabrielle pose to North Carolina?
The storm is expected to produce life-threatening rip currents along the Outer Banks and North Carolina coastline, with high or moderate rip current risk reported.
Are there any evacuation measures in North Carolina due to Gabrielle?
There are currently no mandatory evacuation measures or closures in effect in North Carolina due to Gabrielle.
How many named storms have occurred in the current hurricane season?
This hurricane season, which runs through November 30, 2025, has already seen seven named storms, with Gabrielle being the second major hurricane following Erin.
Key Features of Hurricane Gabrielle
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | 4 |
| Maximum Sustained Winds | 130 mph |
| Distance from Bermuda | 520 miles east-northeast |
| Movement Speed | 21 mph |
| Rip Current Risk | High or moderate along NC coastline |
| Hurricane Watch Issued for | All Azores Islands |
| Named Storms this Season | 7 |
| Forecast Named Storms for Season | 13 to 16 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Weather Patterns Shift in North Carolina as Fall Begins
Hurricane Gabrielle Intensifies to Category 4
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
Additional Resources
- Star News Online
- Wikipedia: Category 4 hurricane
- WBTV
- Google Search: Hurricane Gabrielle
- News Observer
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Gabrielle
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Gabrielle
- WXII 12
- Google News: 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.
