Tropical Storm Gabrielle Tracker: New Storm Could Form This Weekend

Tropical Storm Gabrielle may form in the eastern Atlantic this weekend, according to The Weather Channel. Current projections suggest the system could brush the Leeward Islands next week as the Atlantic season approaches its peak, putting the storm well out of reach of U.S. East Coast for the time being.

Still, the storm is on meteorologists' radar, given the time of year.

For now, the tropical wave is southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, about 2,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. The National Hurricane Center says “gradual development” is possible in the coming days and that Gabrielle was continuing to produce disorganized showers and thunderstorms.

The agency reported a 30% chance of formation through 48 hours and a 70% chance through seven days. If Gabrielle strengthens, it would continue west-northwest across the Atlantic Ocean, toward San Juan and potentially Miami.

The hurricane season so far

This season has already made headlines, with Hurricane Erin having caused significant damage in August.

Much like Gabrielle, Hurricane Erin started as a "tropical wave" while way out at sea. No sooner was it classified as a Tropical Storm than it was upgraded to Hurricane status. Then on Aug. 16, in just 24 hours, Hurricane Erin strengthened in its intensity from Category 1 to Category 5.

While still a significant storm that caused flooding along coastal towns from North Carolina to New Jersey, damage to homes and communities was minimal.

The 2025 hurricane season was predicted to be 'above normal'

The NOAA updated its 2025 hurricane season outlook—originally released in May—reaffirming its forecast for "above-normal" Atlantic hurricane activity before the season ends Nov. 30.

NOAA experts say the likelihood of a more intense-than-typical hurricane season is 50%, down from 60% in May.

The agency expects 13 to 18 named storms with winds of at least 39 mph, of which five to nine could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. Of those, two to five could escalate to major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or more.

"As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities," acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said in a NOAA report.

A 2025 hurricane risk report by Cotality, a data-driven tech company, found more than 33.1 million residential properties—with a combined reconstruction cost value (RCV) of $11.7 trillion—are at moderate or greater risk of sustaining damage from hurricane-force winds.

Florida, Texas, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts are among the states with the highest number of homes and RCV at moderate or greater risk of hurricane wind damage.

How to prepare for a hurricane before it makes landfall

The best defense is early preparation. Experts often stress the importance of stocking water, nonperishable food, and a go-bag with essentials before June 1, the official start of hurricane season.

Insurance restrictions can complicate coverage once a storm nears. Securing policies and reviewing protection well ahead of time is critical.

Financial readiness also plays a role.

“An emergency savings buffer is vital to being ready to cover unexpected costs,” advises Melanie Musson, an insurance expert at Clearsurance.com.

Equally important is family planning. Evacuation routes and meeting points should be in place, with clear communication among household members.

When a storm is confirmed, homeowners should shift to protective measures.

“Board up windows, bring in outside items that could become flying projectiles, and stock up on extra fuel,” recommends meteorologist Rachael Gauthier, of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety in Charlotte, NC.