Hilton Head, SC, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Hurricane Gabrielle has become a Category 3 storm, currently positioned 390 miles southeast of Bermuda. While it is expected to strengthen over warmer waters, it poses no direct threat to Hilton Head. However, generated swells could impact areas north of North Carolina, leading to dangerous surf conditions. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring two additional tropical waves that could develop. Meteorologists remain cautious as the Atlantic hurricane season intensifies following a quiet start.
Hilton Head, SC – Hurricane Gabrielle has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane as of Sunday. The storm is currently moving east into the Atlantic and is not expected to have any direct impact on Hilton Head in the coming days. Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center predict that Gabrielle may undergo further strengthening as it travels over warmer waters.
The hurricane is currently 390 miles southeast of Bermuda, moving at a speed of 12 mph and exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. Although Gabrielle is not expected to make landfall along the East Coast, it is generating large swells that are expected to reach the shores north of North Carolina. This will likely lead to dangerous surf and rip current conditions in these areas in the coming days.
While Gabrielle remains the primary focus, the National Hurricane Center is also monitoring two additional tropical waves. One of these waves has a 70% chance of cyclone formation within the next week and could develop into a tropical depression later this week, while the second wave exhibits a 40% chance of development and is currently producing showers and thunderstorms.
Following a quiet start to September, the Atlantic hurricane season is beginning to intensify with Gabrielle’s progress. Initially, Tropical Storm Gabrielle had faced obstacles that limited its strengthening; however, forecasts indicated that it would become a hurricane early next week.
As Gabrielle continues its path east of Bermuda, swells are expected to affect the region in the coming days. Additionally, the East Coast of the United States, particularly areas from North Carolina northward, along with Atlantic Canada, will experience rough surf conditions due to Gabrielle’s generated swells. These conditions could pose risks for beachgoers and mariners alike.
Though meteorologists are closely watching Gabrielle’s development, current forecasts suggest that the hurricane poses no direct risk to land based on its anticipated trajectory. The ongoing analysis by the National Hurricane Center includes advisories indicating that rapid intensification is a possibility for Gabrielle as it interacts with the warm Atlantic waters.
Understanding Hurricane Gabrielle
As of now, Hurricane Gabrielle is enhancing its strength while maintaining a safe distance from land, specifically Hilton Head. The meteorological trackers are continuously updating the situation and a vigilant watch is being maintained for any changes, especially concerning the tropical waves that are also being monitored for potential development.
Important Information about Hurricane Gabrielle
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Category | 3 Hurricane |
| Current Location | 390 miles southeast of Bermuda |
| Maximum Sustained Winds | 65 mph |
| Movement Speed | 12 mph |
| Expected Impact | No direct impact on Hilton Head; swells affecting areas north of North Carolina |
| Tropical Waves | One with 70% chance of cyclone formation, another with 40% chance |
FAQ
What category is Hurricane Gabrielle currently at?
Hurricane Gabrielle has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane.
Is Hilton Head expected to be affected by Hurricane Gabrielle?
The storm is not expected to affect Hilton Head in the coming days.
What are meteorologists predicting for Hurricane Gabrielle?
Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center anticipate further strengthening of Gabrielle as it moves over warmer water.
Where is Gabrielle currently located?
The storm is currently located 390 miles southeast of Bermuda.
What kind of conditions can areas north of North Carolina expect?
Areas north of North Carolina will experience rough surf and rip currents in the coming days.
What does the National Hurricane Center say about additional tropical waves?
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves; one has a 70% chance of cyclone formation and the other a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hurricane Gabrielle Strengthens in the Atlantic
Unseasonably Warm Weather Hits Columbia, SC
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Charleston Area
Severe Thunderstorm Hits Williamsburg County, NC
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Charleston Area
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Laurens, Union, and Spartanburg Counties
Tropical Storm Gabrielle Strengthening as It Approaches Bermuda
Tropical Storm Gabrielle Approaches Bermuda
Tropical Storm Gabrielle Keeping Coastal Communities Alert
Tropical Storm Gabrielle Joins the Atlantic Hurricane Season
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hurricane Gabrielle Updates
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Gabrielle
- Island Packet: Gabrielle Strengthens
- Google Search: Hurricane Gabrielle
- Island Packet: Storm Updates
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Gabrielle
- Island Packet: Further Gabrielle Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Gabrielle
- Island Packet: Hurricane News
- Google News: Hurricane Gabrielle
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort 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 RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
