URGENT UPDATE: The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has confirmed a significant tropical wave is likely to develop into the season’s next tropical depression or storm within the next few days. As of 8 a.m. EDT on September 1, 2025, the system is located south of the Cape Verde Islands and is showing signs of organization with showers and thunderstorms.
Forecasters indicate that “environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development” of this system, with a 70% chance to form over the next week. Additionally, there is a 20% chance of development within the next two days. The system is projected to move westward to west-northwestward at approximately 15 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.
Should the system develop, it could be designated as Tropical Storm Gabrielle, marking the seventh tropical cyclone of the season. The most recent storm, Tropical Storm Fernand, transitioned to a post-tropical system last week without causing significant impacts.
The NHC also notes that only one of the six named storms this season has achieved hurricane status. Earlier this month, what was once Hurricane Erin reached a powerful Category 5 level with winds of 160 mph but fortunately did not make landfall, sparing the Caribbean and U.S. Atlantic coast from severe damage.
As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has updated its forecast to predict 13 to 18 named storms this year, with five to nine expected to develop into hurricanes. They anticipate that between two to five of these will reach major hurricane status, categorized as a Category 3 or higher.
The peak of the hurricane season runs from mid-August through October, with the entire season lasting from June 1 to November 30.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Residents in the southeastern U.S. should stay alert for further updates on this developing system, as it is too early to determine its potential impact on Florida or surrounding areas. The NHC will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new data becomes available.
Stay informed and prepared as the situation unfolds. For the latest updates, check the NHC’s official communications.
