Hurricane Tracker: Major Storms Gabrielle and Erick Dominate the Atlantic and Pacific as New Systems Emerge

Atlantic Basin: Hurricane Gabrielle Becomes a Major Force

In the Atlantic, Hurricane Gabrielle has surged to Category 4 strength with sustained winds exceeding 120 mph. Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) note that Gabrielle rapidly intensified due to warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, classic conditions for rapid cyclone development.

Although Gabrielle currently remains over open waters, experts caution that its trajectory could shift depending on upper-level steering currents. Two additional tropical disturbances, one of which has an 80% chance of developing into a cyclone within a week, are being closely watched.

Key facts about Gabrielle:

Meteorologists say Gabrielle’s behavior highlights how rapidly storms can intensify during late-season cycles, underscoring the importance of continuous satellite and aircraft monitoring.

Pacific Front: Hurricane Erick Hits Mexico

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Pacific, Hurricane Erick made landfall near Punta Maldonado in Mexico’s Oaxaca state as a Category 3 system. It brought destructive winds and torrential rainfall before weakening over mountainous terrain.

Mexican authorities issued flash flood and landslide warnings across Oaxaca and Guerrero as rainfall totals reached between 8 and 16 inches, with isolated pockets nearing 20 inches. Despite weakening, Erick’s remnants continue to dump heavy rain over inland communities, disrupting power and transportation.

Most affected areas in Mexico:

• Oaxaca: widespread flooding and damaged roads

• Guerrero: landslides in rural zones

• Punta Maldonado: coastal infrastructure damage from storm surge

The hurricane tracker now shows Erick weakening to a tropical depression, but its lingering moisture could trigger further rainfall events over central Mexico.

Imelda and Humberto Impact the Atlantic Coast

Beyond Gabrielle, Hurricane Imelda lashed Bermuda as a Category 2 system, causing power outages and coastal flooding. The island experienced strong winds, heavy rain, and wave surges that forced temporary closures of schools and airports.

Further north, Hurricane Humberto merged with the jet stream and lost tropical characteristics. However, its remnants continue to generate life-threatening surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast from Florida to New England.

This rare interaction between Imelda and Humberto has drawn attention from meteorologists because it displayed the Fujiwhara Effect, a phenomenon where two nearby storms rotate around each other, influencing both their paths and intensity.

Data Concerns: Pentagon Cuts Satellite Access

A lesser-known but highly significant issue emerged this season: the Pentagon has discontinued access to certain satellite data, notably from the SSMIS instrument. This system provided valuable nighttime imagery that helped scientists detect sudden storm intensifications, often referred to as “sunrise surprises.”

Without this data, meteorologists warn that forecasting accuracy—especially overnight—could be compromised. Rapid intensification events, like Gabrielle’s sudden strengthening, may become harder to predict without continuous satellite coverage.

Tracking What Comes Next

The hurricane tracker currently highlights several developing features across both oceans:

1. Two Atlantic disturbances with high potential for development in the next 5–7 days.

2. Residual moisture from Erick, likely to fuel thunderstorms across Mexico.

3. Lingering surf hazards from Humberto’s remnants along the East Coast.

Experts advise residents in the Caribbean, Gulf Coast, and Central America to stay alert. Even storms that remain offshore can produce dangerous rip currents, rough seas, and flooding from outer rain bands.

As October begins, forecasters note that the hurricane season still has several weeks to run. With warm ocean temperatures and active wind patterns, the tropics remain a breeding ground for new systems—and the hurricane tracker will continue to play a vital role in keeping the public informed.