Tropical Storm Gabrielle Forms in Atlantic, Expected to Stay Away From U.S. Mainland

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY

Tropical Storm Gabrielle has developed in the Atlantic Ocean and is currently moving west-northwest while maintaining strength over open waters. The system, which formed earlier this week, is located several hundred miles east of the Lesser Antilles and is producing widespread showers, gusty winds, and rough seas. While Gabrielle is not expected to make direct landfall on the United States mainland, forecasters caution that it could bring heavy rain and unsettled weather to parts of the eastern Caribbean islands in the coming days.

The storm is carrying tropical-storm force winds extending outward, making conditions difficult for small craft and potentially disruptive to travel and shipping lanes in the Atlantic. Residents of the Leeward Islands and nearby territories are advised to remain alert as rainfall and brief localized flooding are possible. Meteorologists note that the storm will encounter warmer waters as it continues on its current track, which could allow for some strengthening before it eventually curves northward.

Forecast models show Gabrielle tracking around the edge of a high-pressure system positioned in the Atlantic, which should steer the storm away from the U.S. East Coast. Even though the center of the system is not expected to approach the mainland, the National Hurricane Center warns of indirect impacts. Large swells, rough surf, and dangerous rip currents are likely to develop along parts of the East Coast later this week as the storm generates stronger wave activity in the Atlantic.

As of now, Gabrielle poses the greatest risk to the eastern Caribbean, where scattered storms, gusty winds, and heavy downpours could cause temporary disruptions. Forecasters stress the importance of monitoring updates, especially for those in low-lying or flood-prone areas. For the U.S., the main concerns remain along beaches and for maritime operations, rather than inland communities.

Officials encourage residents in the Caribbean to take standard storm precautions and follow local advisories, while those along the U.S. coastline should exercise caution if entering the water over the next several days. Tropical Storm Gabrielle serves as another reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is still active, and conditions can change quickly depending on shifts in steering patterns or storm development.