(Note: This story has been updated to indicate that the Gabrielle is now a tropical storm)
Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the central Atlantic is expected to become a hurricane by early next, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Gabrielle is the seventh named storm of this hurricane season.
While it’s still too early to tell if the storm will head toward Brevard, early predictions track it heading north and parallel to the Space Coast. If that remains, Brevard will still likely see affects from the storm from a marine standpoint.
“This storm is forecast to pass north of the Caribbean islands as it curves to the north over the weekend,” according to Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert. “At this time, we expect this storm to steer clear of the U.S. east coast. Rough surf and rip currents are likely next week along beaches from the Caribbean and Florida to the Northeast.”
Where is the storm expected to become Hurricane Gabrielle?
As of the 11 a.m. advisory Sept. 17, Tropical Storm Gabrielle was 1,085 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. It was moving west at 22 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
Forecasters predict it will become a hurricane by Sept. 21.
What impact will Tropical Storm Gabrielle have on Brevard?
At this time, it looks as if the storm will steer clear of the Space Coast.
However, beach goers should pay attention to the water next week. At the very least, the storm will bring choppy water to Brevard much like Hurricane Erin did last month.
The Category 2 story was more than 400 miles off the coast, but still brough dangerous rip currents and large waves to the area. Surfers from all over flocked to Space Coast waters in hopes of catching good waves, but officials warned people to stay out of the water.
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Tropical Storm Gabrielle to become hurricane this weekend. Is it coming to Brevard?
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, Florida Today / Florida Today
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