Hurricane Gabrielle ‘Intensifying’: How Homeowners Along East Coast Should Prepare

After petering out earlier this month, Gabrielle officially became the second hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season late Sunday afternoon.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been tracking the system since early September. While an earlier storm failed to reach tropical storm status, this one quickly gained strength, building enough momentum to become Hurricane Gabrielle.

As of Monday, Gabrielle was "intensifying about 200 miles southeast of Bermuda," according to The Weather Channel. Forecast models suggest it will take a sharp turn east by Tuesday, steering it safely away from both Bermuda and the U.S.

Still, Gabrielle is generating high surf and dangerous rip currents in Bermuda and along parts of the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina to New England—a threat expected to last into Tuesday before easing.

In addition, meteorologists are also keeping an eye on another tropical wave currently on a similar path to Gabrielle. It remains unclear, though, if it will become a threat or make landfall as of now. 

The hurricane season so far

This season has already made headlines, with Hurricane Erin having caused significant damage in August.

Much like Gabrielle, Hurricane Erin started as a "tropical wave" while way out at sea. No sooner was it classified as a tropical storm than it was upgraded to hurricane status. Then on Aug. 16, in just 24 hours, Hurricane Erin strengthened in its intensity from Category 1 to Category 5.

While still a significant storm that caused flooding along coastal towns from North Carolina to New Jersey, damage to homes and communities was minimal.

The 2025 hurricane season was predicted to be 'above normal'

The NOAA updated its 2025 hurricane season outlook—originally released in May—reaffirming its forecast for "above-normal" Atlantic hurricane activity before the season ends Nov. 30.

NOAA experts say the likelihood of a more intense-than-typical hurricane season is 50%, down from 60% in May.

The agency expects 13 to 18 named storms with winds of at least 39 mph, of which five to nine could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. Of those, two to five could escalate to major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or more.

"As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities," acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said in a NOAA report.

A 2025 hurricane risk report by Cotality, a data-driven tech company, found more than 33.1 million residential properties—with a combined reconstruction cost value (RCV) of $11.7 trillion—are at moderate or greater risk of sustaining damage from hurricane-force winds.

Florida, Texas, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts are among the states with the highest number of homes and RCV at moderate or greater risk of hurricane wind damage.

How to prepare for a hurricane before it makes landfall

The best defense is early preparation. Experts often stress the importance of stocking water, nonperishable food, and a go-bag with essentials before June 1, the official start of hurricane season.

Insurance restrictions can complicate coverage once a storm nears. Securing policies and reviewing protection well ahead of time is critical.

Financial readiness also plays a role.

“An emergency savings buffer is vital to being ready to cover unexpected costs,” advises Melanie Musson, an insurance expert at Clearsurance.com.

Equally important is family planning. Evacuation routes and meeting points should be in place, with clear communication among household members.

When a storm is confirmed, homeowners should shift to protective measures.

“Board up windows, bring in outside items that could become flying projectiles, and stock up on extra fuel,” recommends meteorologist Rachael Gauthier, of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety in Charlotte, NC.