North Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Gabrielle, now a Category 4 storm, continues to affect coastal Carolinas with rip currents and swells, although it hasn’t made landfall. No mandatory evacuations are in place, providing some relief to residents. Meteorologists are also tracking two additional disturbances that could evolve into cyclones. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns of an active hurricane season, urging residents to stay vigilant.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Hurricane Gabrielle, categorized as a Category 4 storm, is making its presence known as it impacts the coastal Carolinas despite not making landfall in the U.S. The storm reached its peak intensity on Monday, September 22, shortly after forming, and is currently moving northeast of Bermuda at approximately 13 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated that Gabrielle likely achieved peak intensity and is expected to weaken in the coming days, which is good news for the East Coast.
Although Gabrielle’s expected impacts are not projected to be as severe as those of Hurricane Erin, which recently followed a similar path, coastal concerns remain. Throughout the week, the Carolinas, especially North Carolina, are likely to experience rip currents and large swells. As of Tuesday morning, there are no mandatory evacuations in place along the coast, a sign of the comparatively lighter effects of Gabrielle.
In contrast, Hurricane Erin prompted multiple evacuations and the closure of Highway 12 in the Outer Banks due to significant ocean overwash and flooding. Residents in coastal areas are being advised to remain vigilant as Gabrielle continues to approach.
In addition to Gabrielle, meteorologists have detected two other tropical disturbances trailing behind the storm. The first disturbance has a 90% chance of developing into a cyclone within the next week and could eventually evolve into Tropical Storm Humberto. The second disturbance holds a 60% chance of forming and is anticipated to bring heavy winds and rain to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Tuesday night into Wednesday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is monitoring Gabrielle’s progress closely to assess potential impacts along the U.S. East Coast, particularly in North Carolina. Gabrielle is the seventh named tropical cyclone of the Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, which lasts until November 30. NOAA forecasts an above-normal hurricane season this year, estimating a total of 13 to 18 named storms, with up to nine potentially becoming hurricanes.
For residents wishing to stay updated on weather developments, the WBTV Weather app is a recommended resource for real-time information and alerts. Preparedness and awareness are key as the season progresses and additional storms may follow in the coming weeks.
Key Details of Hurricane Gabrielle
- Status: Category 4 storm
- Peak Intensity Achieved: September 22
- Current Speed: 13 miles per hour
- Impact Areas: Coastal Carolinas
- Expected Effects: Rip currents, large swells
- Evacuations: None currently in place
Background Context
As a reminder, Hurricane Erin recently caused evacuations and infrastructure issues in the Outer Banks, highlighting the potential severity of storms in the region. The climate data suggests that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season may continue to present challenges to residents along the East Coast.
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Gabrielle?
Hurricane Gabrielle is currently categorized as a Category 4 storm.
What is the expected impact of Hurricane Gabrielle?
Coastal concerns include rip currents and large swells throughout the week.
Are there any mandatory evacuations due to Hurricane Gabrielle?
As of Tuesday morning, there are no mandatory evacuations in place along the coast.
What are the chances of other tropical disturbances forming?
The first disturbance has a 90% chance of developing into a cyclone, and the second has a 60% chance of forming.
Key Features of Hurricane Gabrielle
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Category 4 storm |
| Peak Intensity Date | September 22 |
| Current Movement | 13 miles per hour Northeast of Bermuda |
| Impacts on Coast | Rip currents, large swells |
| Evacuations | None currently |
| Next Developments | Monitoring other disturbances with 90% and 60% chances of development |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina Monitors Hurricane Gabrielle’s Impact
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
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Hurricane Gabrielle’s Expected Impact on Carolinas
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Gabrielle
- News Observer: Recent Updates on Hurricane Gabrielle
- Google Search: Hurricane Gabrielle
- WGAL: Hurricane Gabrielle Forms
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Gabrielle
- WINK News: Tracking Tropical Storm Gabrielle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
