New Delhi, Sept. 22 -- Tropical Storm Gabrielle intensifiedin Atlantic waters southeast of Bermuda on Sunday and was nearing hurricane status, according to forecasters.

The storm packed maximum sustained winds of around 100 kmph and was just 16 kmph short of hurricane strength. However, meteorologists warned the storm could rapidly intensify in coming hours.

On Sunday, about 630 kilometers southeast of Bermuda and was moving to the northwest at 19 kmph, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said adding that "it could rapidly strengthen over the next day or two"

As per weather office, the storm is likely to pass east of Bermuda on Monday. No coastal watches or warnings are in effect, but residents and authorities in Bermuda are urged t...