MIAMI (AP) — A hurricane warning has been issued for the Azores as Hurricane Gabrielle churned across open Atlantic waters, forecasters stated on Wednesday.
The Category 3 storm is anticipated to weaken but remains on a path towards the Azores, with forecasters warning of dangerous conditions expected late Thursday and into Friday.
Gabrielle's impacts will extend beyond the Azores, with hazardous waves affecting Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina to the north, and parts of the Atlantic coast of Canada. Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected.
According to the Miami-based U.S. National Hurricane Center, the storm was centered approximately 1,360 miles (2,189 kilometers) west of the Azores as of Wednesday.
Forecasters predict significant coastal flooding and the potential for large, destructive waves as Gabrielle approaches. Rainfall amounts could reach up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) across the central and western Azores between Thursday and Friday, bringing with it the risk of dangerous flooding.
In the Pacific, Hurricane Narda has also strengthened into a Category 2 storm, currently moving away from Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of about 105 mph (169 kph). This hurricane was located roughly 540 miles (869 kilometers) south of the southern tip of Baja California and is expected to drift further offshore.
The warning for the Azores has been issued by the Meteorological Service of Portugal, urging residents to stay informed as storm conditions develop.
