Hurricane Gabrielle, now a Category 3 storm with winds near 120 mph, is being closely monitored by experts. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns: “Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.” Gabrielle is southeast of Bermuda and is expected to pass east of the island, moving northeast, without making landfall on the US East Coast. AccuWeather warns of “life-threatening” rip currents from Maine to Florida, with DaSilva noting, “rough surf and rip currents could be significant and dangerous for the Atlantic beaches early this week.”

Meanwhile, Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 storm, causing a “catastrophic and deadly storm surge.” NHC stated: “The risk of impacts from life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds continues to increase along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast.” Helene has since weakened to a Category 1 storm with winds of 90 mph as it moves north-northeast into Georgia, with Governor Brian Kemp declaring a state of emergency: “The current forecast for Hurricane Helene suggests this storm will impact every part of our state.”

At least six people have died, and NHC emphasizes, “Persons should not leave their shelters and remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions.”

Experts are also tracking a weak tropical wave toward the Caribbean, with medium development risk.