Tropical Storm Humberto Forms as Hurricane Gabrielle Approaches Azores Islands

Tropical Storm Humberto emerged in the Atlantic on Wednesday, coinciding with Hurricane Gabrielle’s approach toward the Azores, forecasters reported. Both systems are expected to bring hazardous weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high surf.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the volcanic Azores archipelago, which could experience dangerous impacts from Gabrielle as early as Thursday, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

The Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (160 kph), is forecast to weaken before reaching the islands, but forecasters caution it could still trigger significant coastal flooding and large waves. Rainfall is expected to reach up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) across the central and western Azores between Thursday and Friday.

On Wednesday afternoon, Gabrielle was approximately 1,010 miles (1,625 kilometers) west of the Azores, moving east at 28 mph (45 kph). Its swells are expected to affect Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina northward, and the Atlantic coast of Canada, creating life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Humberto was located 550 miles (885 kilometers) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands with winds of 40 mph (65 kph). It is projected to impact the eastern coast of the United States within five days.

In the Pacific, Hurricane Narda maintained Category 2 strength, moving away from Mexico. The storm, with sustained winds of 100 mph, was about 560 miles (900 kilometers) south-southwest of Baja California’s southern tip, moving west at 10 mph (16 kph). Although no coastal watches or warnings were in effect, swells from Narda may create rough surf and rip currents along parts of Mexico’s coast. Forecasters anticipate Narda will weaken over the next day before potentially restrengthening later this week.

Authorities continue to monitor these storms closely as residents and mariners are urged to exercise caution in affected regions.