Published on
September 28, 2025
Tropical Wind and Rainstorm Gabrielle has made landfall, bringing much-needed moisture yet challenging conditions to parts of Portugal and Spain over the weekend. After transitioning from a powerful Category 4 hurricane over the central Atlantic and sweeping past the Azores, Gabrielle continues to impact southwestern Europe with drenching rainfall, gusty winds, and rough seas. The storm is creating a complex scenario for residents, travelers, and the region’s vital tourism industry as it pushes further across the Iberian Peninsula and nearby Morocco.
Overview: From Atlantic Hurricane to Rainstorm
Gabrielle’s recent path started as an intense Category 4 hurricane east of Bermuda before weakening into a tropical wind and rainstorm upon reaching the Azores. The high seas and surf in the Atlantic that affected the island group are expected to diminish, but the weather effects round European coasts are only beginning.
The center of Gabrielle is now moving onshore into the western coast of Portugal and Spain, unleashing showers and strong winds from Saturday into Sunday evening and beyond. Coastal areas and inland regions alike will experience one to two inches (twenty five-fifty millimeters) of rainfall, with heavier local amounts especially in mountainous zones.
Benefits and Risks: Drought Relief Meets Flooding Concerns
While much of Portugal and southwest Spain have endured droughts and wildfire risks this year, the arrival of Gabrielle’s rains offers relief in parched areas. Areas receiving moderate rainfall can expect an easing of these critical conditions, contributing positively to environmental rehabilitation and tourism sustainability.
However, meteorologists highlight the threat of flash flooding, landslides, and debris flows in areas hit by intense, sustained downpours. Such hazards not only endanger communities but may prompt the closure of natural attractions and disruptions in tourism activities dependent on favorable weather, such as hiking, sightseeing, and coastal leisure.
Wind, Surf, and Regional Safety Challenges
Gabrielle is also generating strong wind gusts capable of causing localized power outages and property damage, especially in Portugal and western Spain’s coastal and elevated locations. Rough seas will affect ports and shipping lanes, particularly near the strategic maritime zone of the Straits of Gibraltar.
In the United Kingdom, the southern coasts will continue experiencing dangerous surf and rip currents, reinforcing the need for caution among watersports enthusiasts and tourism operators reliant on beach access.
Implications for Tourism and Travel
The storm’s timing coincides with the busy travel period in parts of Europe, impacting flights, ferry services, and visitor plans. Tourism boards and service providers are on high alert, ready to inform tourists about potential itinerary changes and safety advice.
Adventure, eco, and cultural tourism sectors face particular vulnerability, as many of the affected regions boast important heritage sites, hiking trails, and coastal resorts reliant on stable weather conditions. The weather event underscores the critical importance of integrating climate resilience into destination planning, particularly in regions where storm-related disruptions are becoming more frequent.
Further Regional Rainfall and Dissipation
Gabrielle is forecast to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to northern Morocco by Monday before weakening and dissipating later that day. Though its wind intensity will wane, the residual rainfall may still contribute to relief from prolonged dry spells and support recovery efforts in drought-stricken agricultural areas.
Emerging Threats: Humberto and Imelda Seen in Atlantic
While Gabrielle affects Europe and North Africa, the Atlantic basin remains active. Hurricane Humberto has intensified in the southwestern Atlantic, with forecasts indicating that tropical storm Imelda could soon emerge nearby, possibly impacting the southeastern United States early next week. This second developing storm draws attention back to North America as Atlantic hurricane season progresses.
