(CNN) — Hurricane Gabrielle rapidly intensified in warm water in the central Atlantic far from land Monday morning, becoming the second major hurricane of the 2025 season.

Major hurricanes are Category 3 or stronger. Gabrielle is a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds and is expected to get even stronger, potentially reaching Category 4 status by mid-afternoon Monday.

Gabrielle’s winds have increased by 55 mph in 24 hours, far exceeding the baseline for rapid intensification of a 35 mph increase over the same time period. Rapid intensification has become far more common in recent years as the planet warms due to fossil fuel pollution.

The hurricane was located 195 miles southeast of Bermuda and was expected to skirt east of the island, sending rough surf along with potentially s

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