Tropical Storm Gabrielle forms in the Atlantic, may become a hurricane

MIAMI — After a quiet stretch, the tropical Atlantic has woken up with Tropical Storm Gabrielle and a tropical wave southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is about 510 miles northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. The westerly shear seems to be weakening, which has allowed Gabrielle’s cloud pattern to change significantly since yesterday. This weakening shear will allow Gabrielle to strengthen this weekend, becoming a hurricane by Sunday. Gabrielle is forecast to pass east of Bermuda and curve out to sea. 

Swells generated by Gabrielle are expected to reach Bermuda tonight and build through the weekend.  These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

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Currently, there are no watches or warnings in effect, and no immediate hazards affecting land.

In addition to Gabrielle, a tropical wave located several hundred miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and is producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity.  Some slow development of this system is possible through the middle to latter part of next week while it moves west-northwestward across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.