As September draws to a close, the UK finds itself watching the Atlantic with apprehension. Hurricane Gabrielle, which rapidly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane with winds clocking in at 150 mph on September 22, 2025, is now making its way towards Europe, raising concerns for both the Azores and the British Isles. According to the Metro, Gabrielle became the second major hurricane of the Atlantic season, fueled by unusually warm waters in the central Atlantic. The storm’s trajectory took a dramatic turn away from Bermuda, sparing the island from a direct hit, but setting its sights on the Azores in Portugal, where residents were urged to take defensive measures as the hurricane approached on September 25-26.
Forecasters from the Met Office, as reported by Metro and BBC, have been closely monitoring Gabrielle’s progress. They expect the hurricane to weaken substantially as it nears mainland Europe after its brush with the Azores, but its remnants are still likely to influence UK weather over the weekend of September 27-28. While the core of the hurricane is likely to remain well to the south of the UK, meteorologists warn that the storm could inject tropical energy into the jet stream, triggering a return to more unsettled conditions across the country. Nick Finnis, a meteorologist at Netweather, noted, “It passes east of Bermuda, before it moves towards western Europe by the weekend, injecting some tropical energy into the jet stream and heralding a return of more unsettled conditions.”
This warning comes on the heels of an already sodden September. The UK experienced its wettest week in nearly a year from September 12 to 18, with above-average rainfall for the month—the highest since January, according to the Environment Agency. The BBC further notes that between January and August 2025, the UK received only 44% of its predicted annual rainfall, compared to an average of 67% in 2024. Yet, the recent deluge has left parts of the country waterlogged, with flooding reported in Salford, Greater Manchester, and north Wales. Flood warnings and alerts were in place near Keswick, Cumbria, and the Upper River Ouse in York as of September 23.
Gabrielle’s impact, while not expected to be catastrophic for the UK, is nonetheless likely to bring significant downpours and blustery winds, particularly across the Midlands and East of England. More than 12mm of rain could fall in just a few hours across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire over the weekend, according to Netweather. The Met Office has described the upcoming period as “uncertain,” but anticipates a shift from the settled conditions of recent days to something far more unsettled. Their forecast suggests a band of rain will reach western areas on Saturday, gradually spreading east across most, if not all, of the country by Sunday, with the potential for heavier rainfall in some areas.
Adding to the challenge is the drop in temperatures. In Edinburgh Gogarbank, Scotland, the mercury dipped to -0.3°C around September 23, a chilly reminder that autumn is settling in. Cooler mornings and the prospect of wet, windy weekends have prompted both forecasters and public safety officials to issue a raft of advice for residents.
The BBC has provided comprehensive guidance on how to prepare for the storm. Residents are urged to secure loose objects outside—such as bins, ladders, trampolines, and garden furniture—to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in high winds. It’s also wise to check that fences and roof tiles are secure, clear guttering of debris, and, if possible, remove any overhanging branches that could come down in the storm. External doors and windows should be fastened, and storm shutters secured where available. Vehicles should be parked in garages, or at least away from buildings and trees.
Inside the home, people are advised to know how to turn off their gas, electricity, and water in case evacuation becomes necessary due to flooding. Mobile phones and battery packs should be fully charged, and essential documents—like passports and insurance details—kept handy. Those on medication should ensure they have enough supply to last several days. In flood-risk areas, valuables and essential items should be moved upstairs or placed as high as possible on the ground floor.
During the storm, the best advice is to stay indoors and keep internal doors closed. Unplugging non-essential electrical items can help prevent damage from power surges. If venturing outside is unavoidable, people should steer clear of buildings, trees, and the sheltered side of walls or fences, which could collapse. The RSPCA recommends bringing all animals inside and ensuring they have sufficient food, bedding, and fresh water.
For those who experience a power cut, the BBC advises switching off non-essential appliances but leaving a light on to know when power returns. Outages can be reported by calling 105, a free service in England, Scotland, and Wales. Those reliant on medical equipment should ensure their energy network operator is aware, so they can be prioritized for assistance. If a gas leak is suspected, the emergency number is 0800 111 999.
Driving during severe weather is discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Flooded or exposed routes, such as bridges or high open roads, should be avoided. If travel cannot be postponed, drivers should carry warm clothing, food, drink, blankets, a torch, and a fully charged phone. Insurance claims for storm-related incidents may be complicated if drivers are found to have ignored official warnings.
After the storm passes, safety remains paramount. Residents are cautioned not to take unnecessary risks, especially around exposed electrical or telephone cables. Only return to damaged properties when it is safe, and contact insurance companies promptly—most have 24-hour helplines and can arrange repairs. Temporary emergency repairs to prevent further damage should be documented and receipts kept for insurance claims. Damaged items should not be discarded without consulting insurers, as they may be repairable.
There’s even a note of caution about property boundaries: contrary to popular belief, there is no universal rule about which fence belongs to which homeowner, so title deeds should be checked if repairs are needed. And patience is advised—it can take weeks or even months for a property to fully dry out after flooding or storm damage.
As Gabrielle’s remnants approach, the UK faces another test of resilience against the elements. With forecasters, emergency services, and the public all on alert, the hope is that preparation and caution will keep the worst of the storm’s effects at bay.
