Hurricane Gabrielle was barreling toward the Azores early Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center, which warned the autonomous region of Portugal to brace for impacts.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is strengthening and is expected to reach hurricane status either Saturday night or Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Gabrielle is forecast to continue strengthening early Monday as it nears Bermuda, and residents are being urged to monitor forecast updates.

Hurricane Gabrielle was barreling toward the Azores early Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center, which warned the autonomous region of Portugal to brace for impacts.

The picturesque island chain has not seen a hurricane make landfall in over a decade.