Post-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle Set to Impact Azores with Severe Weather

MIAMI - The Azores islands are bracing for severe weather as the remnants of Hurricane Gabrielle approach, with expectations of heavy rainfall, storm surges, and dangerously large waves starting Thursday. Although the National Hurricane Center has downgraded Gabrielle to a post-tropical cyclone, it still poses significant threats to the region, which are expected to last through Friday.

As of the latest advisory, Gabrielle was located approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers) southwest of the Azores, featuring maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph) and moving east-northeast at a speed of 30 mph (48 kph). Coastal areas of the Azores are already experiencing increased swells that could lead to flooding, hazardous surf conditions, and rip currents. Forecasters have indicated that even after the storm's center moves past, hurricane-force gusts will likely affect parts of the islands.

The storm is projected to bring up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain to central areas of the Azores, which could lead to flash flooding, particularly in mountainous regions. Eastern and western parts of the islands may receive up to 3 inches (8 centimeters) of rainfall.

In addition to the rain and wind, a dangerous storm surge is anticipated, especially in areas experiencing onshore winds. This surge, combined with large waves, is expected to result in significant coastal flooding.

Furthermore, the impacts of Gabrielle are predicted to extend to mainland Portugal over the weekend, raising concerns about potential flooding and other weather-related hazards.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Humberto has formed near the Caribbean, located about 470 miles (760 kilometers) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands, and is moving northwest at 6 mph (9 kph). Humberto has strengthened, with sustained winds reaching 60 mph (95 kph), and is anticipated to escalate into a hurricane by Friday. Current forecasts suggest that Humberto will remain offshore from the United States.

In the Pacific, Hurricane Narda is moving away from Mexico with sustained winds of around 90 mph (150 kph) and is expected to regain strength, potentially becoming a Category 2 hurricane shortly. Currently situated about 700 miles (1,130 kilometers) southwest of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, Narda is on a westward trajectory at 16 mph (24 kph), with no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Swells generated by Narda may result in dangerous surf and rip current conditions along parts of the Mexican coastline, and such conditions may extend to southern California over the weekend.

Residents in coastal areas of the Southeastern United States have been advised to monitor developments related to a tropical disturbance known as Invest 94L, which is anticipated to become a tropical depression. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has urged individuals to prepare for potential impacts from this weather feature, emphasizing the importance of signing up for weather alerts and following guidance from local emergency management officials.