MIAMI (AP) — A fast-moving Hurricane Gabrielle was expected to bring heavy rain, storm surge and large, destructive waves to the Azores islands starting Thursday night and into early Friday, forecasters said.

A hurricane warning was in effect for the all of the islands in the volcanic archipelago, which could experience dangerous conditions from Gabrielle, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said. Forecasters warned midday Thursday that preparations for the storm should be rushed to completion.

In the Northern Atlantic, Gabrielle was about 385 miles (620 kilometers) west of the Azores on Thursday afternoon. It had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and was traveling to the east at 31 mph (50 kph).

Swells expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions

See Full Page