MIAMI (AP) - The U.S. National Hurricane Center has announced the formation of Hurricane Humberto in the Atlantic Ocean, although it is currently not threatening any landmasses. As of the latest report, Humberto is located approximately 465 miles (750 kilometers) northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and is moving slowly toward the northwest. Meteorologists expect Humberto to significantly strengthen over the weekend, potentially reaching major hurricane status.
In a related development, Tropical Storm Gabrielle is wreaking havoc near the Azores, prompting the issuance of a hurricane watch for the entire Portuguese archipelago. By 0900 GMT Friday, Gabrielle was approximately 145 miles (230 kilometers) east-northeast of Faial Island, which is situated in the central Azores. The storm is currently exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour), with higher gusts reported. It is anticipated that Gabrielle will begin to weaken gradually on Saturday, even though tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles (260 kilometers).
An observatory recorded sustained winds of 78 miles per hour, indicating that it was approaching hurricane strength. Despite the National Hurricane Center declaring Gabrielle post-tropical—meaning it lacks typical tropical characteristics—the potential for severe weather impacts persists until Friday. The storm is moving east-northeast at a rapid pace of 29 miles per hour (46 kilometers per hour) and is expected to drift away from the Azores imminently, approaching mainland Portugal by Sunday.
Furthermore, the Atlantic is also home to Hurricane Narda, which is categorized as a Category 1 storm but has the potential to regain strength and escalate to Category 2 within the day. Importantly, Narda is not currently posing a threat to any land and is expected to diminish in intensity over the upcoming days.
As the systems progress, the situation remains dynamic, with meteorologists closely monitoring both Humberto and Gabrielle for potential changes in their paths and intensity. The National Hurricane Center continues to provide updates and forecasts, keeping residents in the affected areas informed of any developments that might impact safety and preparedness.
Overall, the Atlantic hurricane season remains active, and both Humberto and Gabrielle showcase the unpredictable nature of tropical storms and hurricanes. Authorities are urging people in vulnerable regions to stay alert and follow official advisories as these weather systems evolve.
