Gabrielle rapidly intensifies into a major hurricane in the Atlantic and it could have company this week

(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.