Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to stay over open waters for several days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle has formed in the Atlantic and is forecast to remain over open waters for several days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The hurricane center said in an advisory on Sept. 17 that Gabrielle was located about 1,085 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph with higher gusts. Forecasters said little change in strength is expected during the next 48 hours but some gradual intensification is forecast over the weekend.

The system is moving north-northwest around 22 mph, but an "erratic northwestward to west-northwestward motion at a reduced forward speed" is anticipated during the next few days, according to the hurricane center.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, the NHC said it is keeping tabs on a tropical wave located a few hundred miles east-southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands that is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters said environmental conditions are only marginally conducive, and any development of this system should be slow to occur.

"Regardless of development, this system will likely bring areas of heavy rain across the Cabo Verde Islands later today and Thursday," forecasters said in a Sept. 17 advisory.

Tropical depression also likely to form in Pacific, NHC says

In the Pacific, Mario has weakened into a post-tropical cyclone but another system is picking up steam and is expected to become a tropical depression in the next couple of days.

The hurricane center said a broad area of low pressure located a few hundred miles off the coast of southwestern Mexico is producing a large area of showers and thunderstorms. Forecasters said environmental conditions appear conducive for the gradual development of this system as it moves west-northwestward over the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The storm has a 70% chance of formation through the next 48 hours, according to the NHC.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle tracker

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle spaghetti models

Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest-performing models to help make its forecasts.

How do hurricanes form?

Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.

A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 mph. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.

Prepare now for hurricanes

Delaying potentially lifesaving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends.

  • Develop an evacuation plan. If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
  • Assemble disaster supplies. Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering in place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for a possibly lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
  • Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions. Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance don’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for those. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program.
  • Create a family communication plan. NOAA says you should take the time now to write down a hurricane plan and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
  • Strengthen your home. Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes. Trim trees and install storm shutters, accordion shutters and impact glass, and seal outside wall openings.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tropical Storm Gabrielle forms in the Atlantic: See path tracker

Reporting by Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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