Riviera Maya, Q.R. — The Atlantic’s second hurricane of the 2025 season has already gained major status. Tropical Storm Gabrielle quickly took on the major status early Monday, hours after developing into a hurricane.
As of Monday morning, Gabrielle had already strengthen into a category 3 hurricane and is expected to continue strengthening as it travels the Atlantic Basin.
According to the National Hurricane Centre, “at 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), Hurricane Gabrielle was moving toward the north near 10 mph (17 km/h). This general motion is expected today, followed by a faster northeastward or east northeastward motion on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“On the forecast track, the center of Gabrielle is expected to pass east of Bermuda tonight. Maximum sustained winds remain near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Gabrielle is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Gabrielle could intensify even more today, though some weakening should begin by Wednesday.
“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).”
Gabrielle, which according to the NOAA is forecast to gain category 4 strength by Tuesday, is the second storm to gain hurricane status this season. In August, Erin developed into a hurricane, reaching category 5 strength. While Hurricane Erin did not make landfall, it did leave several dead and substantial damage as it passed Cape Verde.
The first system of the 2025 Atlantic season was recorded June 23, making it the latest start since 2014. To date, only one tropical storm has impacted Mexican territory. In June, Tropical Storm Barry made landfall in Veracruz.
The state of Quintana Roo has not been impacted by any tropical storms yet this year. Most of the state has reported extremely dry conditions for what is supposed to be the rainy season.
Last week, several consecutive days of heavy rain put an end to the state’s drought. A tropical wave dumped between 50mm and 75mm of rain on the state as it crossed the Yucatan Peninsula.
Due to its forecast trajectory, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Hurricane Gabrielle.
