Tropical Storm Gabrielle has developed over the central tropical Atlantic but is forecast to stay over open waters for several days, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

At 11am AST (3pm UTC) the storm was located near 17.5 degrees North and 46.6 degrees West, about 1,085 miles (1,745km) east of the northern Leeward Islands. Maximum sustained winds were 45mph (75km/h) with higher gusts.

Gabrielle is moving north-northwest at 22mph (35km/h) and is expected to slow and take a more erratic path to the northwest or west-northwest over the coming days. Little change in strength is expected in the short term but some gradual intensification is possible over the weekend.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles (280km) from the centre, mainly in the eastern semicircle. The minimum central pressure is estimated at 1006mb. No coastal watches or warnings are in effect.

Secondary Atlantic system

A separate tropical wave east and southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands is producing disorganised showers and thunderstorms.

Conditions are only marginally favourable, so any development will be slow as the system moves west at 15–20mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic.

Heavy rain is likely over the Cabo Verde Islands later today and Thursday regardless of development. The National Hurricane Center puts the chance of formation at 10 per cent over the next 48 hours and 20 per cent over the next seven days.