Hurricane Gabrielle has strengthened with winds of 90 mph and is forecast to become a major Category 3 hurricane.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle strengthened into a hurricane Sunday afternoon southeast of Bermuda in the Atlantic Ocean, forecasters say.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Gabrielle is expected to rapidly intensify to near major-hurricane strength ( Category 3 or higher) in the coming days.

Hurricane Gabrielle is expected to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane by Tuesday, Sept. 23, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Gabrielle is expected to become a hurricane as it passes east of Bermuda, and could strengthen into a Category 2 storm with 100-mph sustained winds within the next 12 hours.