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Shedeur Sanders never received a pink slip from the Cleveland Browns — yet rumors about his roster status persisted throughout the 2025 season. The fifth-round rookie out of Colorado became the centerpiece of one of the draft’s most scrutinized selections before earning a Pro Bowl nod despite a losing campaign.

Debut Passing: 4-of-16 for 47 yards ·
Debut Rushes: 3 carries for 16 yards ·
Key Date: Cut Decision: 26 Aug 2025 ·
Debut Date: 16 Nov 2025

Did Shedeur Sanders get picked by the Browns?

Draft context and Mr. Irrelevant speculation

Shedeur Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26, 2025. The Browns traded picks 166 and 192 to Seattle to move up to that selection (NFL.com official draft record). He was the third quarterback the Browns drafted that weekend, after taking Dillon Gabriel in the third round and trading for Kenny Pickett earlier in the week.

Pre-draft projections had Sanders rated as a top-10 prospect, making his slide to the fifth round one of the more surprising developments of the draft weekend. The pick was controversial from the start, with many analysts questioning the logic of drafting a third quarterback after already acquiring Gabriel and Pickett.

Did Shedeur Sanders make the cut?

Final roster decision from Yahoo report

On August 26, 2025, the Cleveland Browns announced their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 season, and Sanders was on it (Cleveland Browns official team announcement). He entered training camp as the third-string quarterback behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel. The Browns had carried four quarterbacks at one point, including Sanders, before trading Kenny Pickett prior to finalizing the roster (Bleacher Report roster analysis).

Teammate Dylan Sampson praised Sanders’ adaptation: “He’s growing comfortable, building chemistry with the offense,” (Cleveland Browns team coverage). The offensive line and receiving corps adjustments to Sanders’ style took time but showed measurable improvement over the final stretch of the season.

Did Shedeur Sanders make Browns’ roster?

Depth chart position and Guardian uncertainty

Sanders was the third quarterback on the depth chart when the season opened, behind Flacco and Gabriel. His path to playing time opened when Gabriel suffered a concussion, prompting the team to promote Sanders to the active roster for Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. Sanders made his NFL debut in that game, going 4-of-16 passing for 47 yards with one interception (CBS Sports game recaps).

Despite the rough debut, head coach Kevin Stefanski named Sanders the starter for the remainder of the 2025 season after his first start against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. Sanders won that game, becoming the first Browns quarterback to win his debut start. Stefanski noted Sanders had “constantly and consistently gotten better” in each of his appearances (Fox News coach quotes).

Analyst Shannon Sharpe raised questions about how the Browns deployed Sanders in goal-to-go situations, noting the team frequently opted for wildcat formations rather than letting the rookie quarterback attempt passes near the end zone (Fox News offensive analysis). The coaching staff’s red-zone strategy drew scrutiny as Sanders developed.

“constantly and consistently gotten better in each of these games”

— Kevin Stefanski, Browns Head Coach

“He has done a great job with everything that has been asked of him”

— Kevin Stefanski, Browns Head Coach

Did Jimmy Haslam say he didn’t want Shedeur Sanders?

Co-owner denial on Facebook

Rumors about owner Jimmy Haslam’s involvement in the Sanders draft selection circulated during the 2025 season. Haslam publicly denied reports suggesting he forced the organization to draft Sanders or remove him from the roster. The Browns’ official statement and roster decisions throughout the season contradicted these claims.

The implication: Haslam’s public stance aligned with the front office’s commitment to Sanders’ development, even as outside speculation about ownership interference persisted through the season.

How much did Shedeur Sanders get from the Browns?

Contract details from Spotrac

As a fifth-round draft pick, Sanders signed a standard four-year rookie contract with the Browns. Fifth-round picks receive a smaller guaranteed portion compared to earlier selections, though the exact terms of his deal are documented through Spotrac and the NFL Players Association contract database. His contract structure is typical for players drafted in that round.

What this means: The financial details remain undisclosed publicly, but the structure aligns with league norms for mid-round selections.

Shedeur Sanders Rookie Season Performance

Three numbers tell the story of Sanders’ 2025 season: 1400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 12 appearances. His completion rate of roughly 57 percent showed promise, but the turnovers were an issue throughout his starts. The Browns finished 5-12 as a team, missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

Sanders’ best game came in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, when he threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns, plus one rushing score. That performance tied Browns rookie records and gave fans a glimpse of his potential. He earned a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie despite the team’s struggles, an unusual achievement for a player on a losing squad.

Stefanski named Sanders the starter for the remainder of the season in early December, signaling a commitment to his development over the final stretch. The Browns faced the Bears, Bills, Steelers, and Bengals in their final four games with Sanders at quarterback.

In early 2026, Sanders switched back to his No. 2 jersey number via Instagram, a move interpreted by analysts as a signal that he is planning to remain with the team beyond 2025 (Athlon Sports season analysis).

Related reading: Ohio State Football Transfers and Updates · Buffalo Bills Offseason Roster Recap

Shedeur Sanders’ quick fall from his 2025 NFL draft slide to Browns selection now risks ending in a roster cut amid debut struggles.

Frequently asked questions

Kitchen sponges are workhorses that scrub away messes every day, but they also trap food particles and moisture that let bacteria multiply. The good news: you don’t need to toss a sponge after every use. Heat-based methods backed by USDA research can slash bacterial counts by 99.99999%, making your sponge genuinely clean again. This guide walks through what actually works, what the science says, and how often you should swap out that sponge for a fresh one.

Boiling time effective: 60 seconds · Microwave time recommended: 1-2 minutes · Hydrogen peroxide use: 2-3 inches soak

The table below summarizes key specifications for the most common sponge sanitization methods, with efficacy data from government research and appliance manufacturer testing.

What is the correct way to disinfect a sponge?

According to USDA Agricultural Research Service findings published on April 23, 2007, heat-based methods consistently outperform chemical soaks for kitchen sponge sanitization (CIDRAP reporting on USDA study). The two most effective approaches are microwave sanitization and dishwasher treatment with a drying cycle — both reducing bacteria by more than 99.99%.

Microwave method

• Rinse the sponge thoroughly with hot water and dish soap to remove visible debris
• Wet the sponge completely — it must be damp before microwaving to avoid fire risk
• Check for any metal particles or scrub pads with metal components that could spark
• Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes depending on sponge size
• Allow the sponge to cool for 10-15 minutes before handling

Boiling water steps

• Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil
• Fully submerge the sponge in the boiling water
• Maintain boil for at least 60 seconds (some guides recommend up to 5-7 minutes for thorough sterilization)
• Remove with tongs and allow to air dry completely

Dishwasher option

• Place the sponge in the utensil holder or top rack
• Run the hottest wash cycle available
• Include the heated drying cycle — temperatures must reach at least 140°F to kill bacteria
• Remove and allow to dry in a well-ventilated area

The implication: heat-based sanitization isn’t optional — it’s the only method proven to knock bacterial counts down to negligible levels in a single treatment cycle.

Does boiling water sanitize sponges?

Yes, boiling water is an effective sanitization method for kitchen sponges, though the timing matters more than many people realize. Research from USDA and appliance guides indicate that 60 seconds of boiling proves more effective at killing bacteria than 2 minutes in the microwave (Lowe’s how-to guide). America’s Test Kitchen recommends a full 5 minutes of boiling after the water reaches a rolling boil for maximum confidence.

How long to boil

• Minimum 60 seconds submerged in actively boiling water for basic sanitization
• 5-7 minutes for thorough sterilization per kitchen appliance guides
• Use tongs or a utensil to avoid burns when placing and removing the sponge

Why some say no

Some sources reportedly question boiling’s effectiveness, though this likely stems from insufficient time in the water or improper submersion. The primary research from USDA ARS supports heat-based methods broadly, including boiling, as effective bacterial reduction techniques (CIDRAP).

The pattern: if you’re already boiling pasta or blanching vegetables, toss your sponge in for 5 minutes and you’ve solved two problems at once. The trade-off is time and attention — you need to stay near the stove.

How to sanitize a sponge in the microwave?

Microwave sanitization is fast and convenient, but a few safety precautions separate effective cleaning from a kitchen hazard. The USDA study found that 1 minute on high power kills 99.99999% of bacteria on wet sponges, and a University of Florida researcher confirmed that 2 minutes “knocks out most bacteria” entirely (CIDRAP quoting Gabriel Bitton, University of Florida professor).

Steps and safety

• Thoroughly rinse the sponge with hot soapy water first
• Ensure the sponge is completely wet before placing in the microwave
• Check for any metal scrub particles or embedded scouring pads that could cause sparking
• Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave’s power
• Let the sponge cool for 10-15 minutes before touching — it will be very hot
• Store in a ventilated area once cooled to prevent bacterial regrowth

Time required

• 1 minute is sufficient for most home microwaves per USDA testing
• 2 minutes offers an extra margin of safety and is recommended for high-power models
• Allow cooling time adds another 10-15 minutes to the total process

The trade-off: microwave sanitization is the fastest method at 1-2 minutes, but it requires vigilance around moisture levels and metal detection that boiling doesn’t demand.

How to sanitize sponge in dishwasher?

The dishwasher offers a hands-off approach to sponge sanitization — just load it and let the machine do the work. USDA testing showed that dishwashing with a heated drying cycle kills 99.9998% of bacteria on sponges, making it nearly as effective as the microwave method (USDA ARS).

Best cycle

• Use the hottest wash cycle your dishwasher offers
• Run the heated drying cycle — temperatures must exceed 140°F for effective bacterial kill
• Place the sponge in the utensil holder or secure it on the top rack so it doesn’t fall
• Skip the dry cycle only if your dishwasher lacks one; the heat is essential

Limitations

• Requires running a full dishwasher load — not energy-efficient for a single sponge
• Must have a heated dry cycle available; eco or air-dry modes may not reach kill temperatures
• Best paired with regular dishes so the wash is worth the water and energy

What this means: the dishwasher works best as a maintenance method rather than an intensive cleaning solution. Run your sponge through during a full load of dishes, and you get sanitization without any dedicated effort.

How to sanitize sponges without vinegar?

Vinegar is a popular natural disinfectant, but if you don’t have it on hand, hydrogen peroxide and bleach solutions offer effective alternatives. Hydrogen peroxide at full strength creates a bubbling reaction that helps lift bacteria from sponge fibers, while properly diluted bleach solutions deliver measurable bacterial reduction (Cosmo Appliances guide).

Hydrogen peroxide

• Pour 2-3 inches of 3% hydrogen peroxide into a container
• Fully submerge the sponge and let it soak until bubbling subsides (typically 5-10 minutes)
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water after soaking
• Squeeze out excess moisture and allow to air dry

Other chemicals

• Bleach solution: 1 tablespoon per quart of water, soak for 5 minutes
• Dettol and similar disinfectants reportedly work but lack rigorous efficacy data
• Always rinse thoroughly after chemical soaks — residue can transfer to dishes

The implication: if you have access to a microwave, stove, or dishwasher, heat-based sanitization will outperform any chemical soak. Reserve chemical methods for situations where heat isn’t accessible.

Steps to sanitize a kitchen sponge

Following a consistent routine keeps your sponge genuinely clean between replacements. Here’s a step-by-step approach based on appliance manufacturer guides and USDA research findings.

1. Rinse immediately after use — rinse the sponge under hot running water with dish soap after every meal prep session to remove food particles
2. Squeeze out moisture — wring the sponge thoroughly after rinsing to remove trapped water and food debris
3. Choose your sanitization method — select microwave (daily), boiling (2-3 times weekly), or dishwasher (when running a hot load)
4. Sanitize using heat — microwave wet sponge 1-2 minutes, boil for 60 seconds to 5 minutes, or run through dishwasher sanitize cycle
5. Allow to cool and dry — let the sponge cool for 10-15 minutes post-sanitization, then store in a well-ventilated spot
6. Replace on schedule — swap out for a fresh sponge every 1-2 weeks, or sooner if you notice persistent odors or visible wear

Expert perspectives on sponge sanitization

“Microwave heating and dishwashing with a drying cycle proved to be the most effective methods for inactivating bacteria, yeasts and molds on sponges.”

— USDA Agricultural Research Service, research agency

“Basically what we find is that we could knock out most bacteria in two minutes.”

— Gabriel Bitton, University of Florida professor (CIDRAP reporting)

The pattern across expert sources is consistent: heat is the gold standard for sponge sanitization. Both USDA researchers and academic microbiologists point to microwave and dishwasher methods as the most reliable ways to achieve near-complete bacterial elimination.

Related reading: Vinegar and Baking Soda: Myths Busted by Plumbers & Science · How to Clean Baseboard Heaters: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Kitchen sponges harbor millions of bacteria, but USDA steps like microwaving or proven lab-tested methods kill 99.99999% effectively.

Frequently asked questions

For home cooks handling raw proteins daily, the choice is straightforward: microwave sanitization offers the fastest bacteria kill with minimal effort, while weekly boiling provides thorough deep cleaning. Skip the chemical soaks unless you lack access to a heat source — they’ll leave you with a false sense of security while bacterial counts remain dangerously high.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is marked by intense emotional volatility, unstable relationships, and rapid mood shifts that occur within minutes to hours. It’s one of the most misunderstood mental health diagnoses, often confused with bipolar disorder yet rooted in entirely different mechanisms.

Core Definition: Pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions ·
Key Symptoms Count: 9 DSM-recognized symptoms ·
Common Triggers: Interpersonal stress and abandonment fears ·
Distinction from Bipolar: No manic episodes; rapid mood shifts ·
Treatment Focus: Dialectical behavior therapy and medications

What are the 9 symptoms of borderline personality disorder?

Borderline personality disorder presents through a wide range of symptoms affecting mood, behavior, and relationships. The DSM-5 recognizes nine distinct criteria, and meeting at least five typically leads to a diagnosis.

Fear of abandonment

• Desperate efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment, even when relationships are turbulent
• Rejection sensitivity drives behavioral patterns that often push others away (Cleveland Clinic)

Unstable relationships

• Relationships swing between idealization (“you’re perfect”) and devaluation (“you don’t care about me”)
• Chronic feelings of emptiness and difficulty maintaining stable connections (Cleveland Clinic)

Identity disturbance

• Marked and persistently unstable self-image affects how someone sees themselves
• Self-worth and goals shift dramatically based on external validation (Cleveland Clinic)

Impulsivity

• Self-destructive behaviors triggered by emotional distress, including substance abuse, reckless driving, or binge eating
• Impulsivity tends to be brief and reactive rather than sustained across days (Cleveland Clinic)

What are the traits of borderline personality disorder?

BPD traits encompass emotional dysregulation, interpersonal dysfunction, and identity disturbance that together create a recognizable pattern of instability.

Emotional volatility

• Intense anger responses that feel impossible to control
• Chronic feelings of emptiness that resist distraction
• Episodes of paranoia or dissociation, including out-of-body sensations during high-stress moments (Cleveland Clinic)

Relationship patterns

• Splitting—oscillating between viewing others as entirely good or entirely bad—damages trust over time
• Self-harm urges and suicidal thoughts occur in a significant portion of those with BPD, requiring careful clinical management (Mayo Clinic)

Self-image instability

• Marked and persistently unstable self-image affects how someone sees themselves
• Self-worth and goals shift dramatically based on external validation (Cleveland Clinic)

“The impulsiveness you see in borderline personality disorder can look very similar to the impulsiveness in bipolar disorder. But impulsivity is quite brief with BPD. In bipolar, impulsivity is something that persists day to day.”

— Dr. Kilbane, Cleveland Clinic expert

What triggers a person with borderline personality disorder?

BPD triggers are predominantly interpersonal rather than biological. Understanding these patterns helps family members and clinicians respond more effectively.

Interpersonal stressors

• Conflicts with loved ones, perceived criticism, or moments of disconnection
• Even constructive feedback can activate fear-of-abandonment responses (HelpGuide.org)

Perceived rejection

• The brain’s threat response system fires disproportionately to actual danger
• Rejection sensitivity means someone with BPD may react to implied rather than explicit abandonment (Cleveland Clinic)

Environmental factors

• Anniversary dates, reminders of past trauma, or loss of routine stability
• Stress-related dissociation includes out-of-body feelings and, in some cases, brief hallucinations (Cleveland Clinic)

Is BPD a form of bipolar disorder?

BPD and bipolar disorder are frequently confused because both involve mood instability, but the mechanisms differ substantially. Accurate diagnosis matters because treatment pathways diverge significantly.

Key differences

• BPD mood shifts occur within minutes to hours in reaction to interpersonal events
• Bipolar mood episodes last days to months and are not consistently tied to external triggers (Cleveland Clinic)
• Bipolar episodes can include periods of euthymia (stable, normal mood) between mania and depression
• BPD involves chronic emotional reactivity without baseline stability periods (HelpGuide.org)

Diagnostic parallels

• BPD and bipolar have been studied for diagnostic concordance; research confirms they are distinct conditions (PMC/NIH)
• Bipolar I hallmark is true manic symptoms, often with hallucinations—features not seen in standard BPD presentations (NAMI)
• Bipolar I involves manic episodes lasting 7 or more days; depressive episodes lasting 2 or more weeks (The Phoenix RC)

How to differentiate

Bipolar almost always requires medication—untreated mania is neurotoxic. BPD does not respond to medication as a primary treatment; psychotherapy like DBT is the cornerstone of care. Misdiagnosis can lead to years of ineffective treatment.

“With bipolar disorder, mood symptoms of depression or mania take longer to develop. They’re more sustained and less reactive to social stressors.”

— Dr. Kilbane, Cleveland Clinic expert

What causes borderline personality disorder?

The causes of BPD involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, particularly early life experiences. Understanding causation helps destigmatize the condition.

Genetic factors

• Family studies suggest heritability, though no single gene has been identified
• BPD is associated with functional impairment and carries high societal costs according to peer-reviewed research (PMC/NIH)

Environmental influences

• Adverse childhood experiences are the most consistently documented risk factor
• Neglect, abuse, and caregiver loss in childhood strongly correlate with BPD development (Cleveland Clinic)
• BPD is rooted in early trauma; bipolar disorder is more linked to brain chemical imbalances (Alter Behavioral Health)

Why is it called borderline?

The term “borderline” originated in the mid-20th century when clinicians believed the condition existed at the border between neurosis and psychosis. Modern understanding has evolved far beyond this oversimplified framing, but the name persists in clinical use.

Related reading: difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s · how to be happy

Experts highlight how the nine key BPD symptoms often overlap with intense emotional swings and unstable relationships in clinical practice.

Frequently asked questions

When Hurricane Gabrielle flared up in mid-September 2025, the usual wave of social media panic followed—predictions of tsunamis hitting Ireland, hurricane-force winds lashing the UK, even questions about whether Portugal was about to take a direct hit. Nine days later, Gabrielle had come and gone, brushing past the Azores as an extratropical storm and leaving behind a quiet Atlantic where it had caused exactly zero European landfalls as a hurricane. The fear, it turned out, was the real story.

Peak Category: 4 ·
Max Winds: 140 mph ·
Duration: Sept 17-26, 2025 ·
Status: Extratropical ·
Affected Areas: Bermuda, Azores

The table below consolidates the verified key facts about Hurricane Gabrielle’s 2025 lifecycle.

Is Hurricane Gabrielle Hitting Ireland?

The short answer, confirmed by weather services on both sides of the Irish Sea, is no—Hurricane Gabrielle never came close to affecting Ireland as a tropical cyclone. Social media speculation during the storm’s Atlantic crossing suggested Irish coastal communities might face hurricane conditions, but those fears were unfounded.

Impact forecasts for Ireland

Gabrielle tracked northeast across the open Atlantic, weakening well before it could approach Western Europe. By the time the storm lost its tropical characteristics on September 25, it was positioned southwest of the Azores—roughly 1,200 miles from Ireland. Extra.ie reported that the storm would not significantly impact Ireland’s weather as it moved across the Atlantic, a forecast that proved accurate (Extra.ie, 2025).

Irish communities saw crisp, autumnal weather throughout Gabrielle’s lifecycle. No tropical storm-force winds, no storm surge, no flooding connected to the system.

Met Office updates

The UK’s Met Office, whose forecast coverage extends to Irish weather patterns, did not issue any tropical cyclone warnings related to Gabrielle. Their modeling consistently showed the storm recurving northeast then east, remaining over open waters.

Will Hurricane Gabrielle Hit Britain?

Britain, like Ireland, escaped any direct hurricane impact from Gabrielle. The storm moved quickly northeast after reaching peak intensity on September 22, but its track kept it well away from British coastal areas. The main effect on the UK was rough seas along the south coast, not gale-force winds or coastal flooding.

UK weather outlook

BBC Weather confirmed in their forecast updates that Gabrielle posed no threat to the British Isles as a tropical system. The quick movement northeast and the storm’s eventual extratropical transition meant any remnant energy would disperses across the Atlantic rather than targeting the UK.

The rough seas that did affect the south coast—documented on Wikipedia as the “south coast of the United Kingdom was plagued by rough seas from Gabrielle”—were a far cry from hurricane conditions. Beach communities may have seen elevated surf and possible coastal erosion, but no storm damage was reported.

Met Office deep dive

Met Office meteorologists noted that Gabrielle’s extratropical remnants were absorbed into the mid-latitude westerly flow, meaning any post-tropical energy moved harmlessly eastward across the North Sea. No amber or red weather warnings were issued for Gabrielle-related threats.

What Was the Path of Hurricane Gabrielle?

Gabrielle’s nine-day journey across the Atlantic followed a textbook recurving hurricane track—formed far from land, intensified over warm waters, then transitioned to an extratropical storm as it encountered cooler ocean temperatures and stronger wind shear.

Formation to dissipation

The storm originated from a tropical wave in the central Atlantic, officially forming as Tropical Storm Gabrielle on September 17 (Wikipedia – Hurricane Gabrielle (2025), 2025). At formation, maximum sustained winds were 45 mph, just above the tropical depression threshold. The system sat roughly 1,000 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, tracking northwest at 22 mph (CBS News, 2025).

Gabrielle intensified steadily over the next four days, becoming a hurricane on September 21 as environmental conditions became favorable. Then came rapid intensification: on September 22, the storm peaked as a Category 4 hurricane east of Bermuda with sustained winds of 140 mph (Zoom Earth, 2025).

From there, Gabrielle began weakening as it moved over progressively cooler waters. The storm dropped below hurricane status on September 24, and by 18:00 UTC on September 25, it had lost its tropical characteristics entirely—becoming an extratropical low pressure system southwest of the Azores (Wikipedia, 2025).

Bermuda and Azores threats

Although Gabrielle never made direct landfall on Bermuda, a hurricane watch was issued on September 22 as the storm approached. High swells produced by the hurricane affected Bermuda and the East Coast of the United States, but no damaging winds or storm surge struck the island (Wikipedia, 2025).

The Azores were less fortunate. A hurricane watch issued September 22 was upgraded to a hurricane warning on September 24. The IPMA (Portugal’s meteorological service) issued orange and yellow alerts for all Azorean islands (Wikipedia, 2025). Gabrielle’s center moved over the Azores on September 26 with hurricane-force wind gusts, displacing 16 people across São Jorge, Faial, and Graciosa. An aerodrome on Graciosa was damaged, and flights were interrupted from September 25-27.

Where Is Hurricane Gabrielle Now?

Hurricane Gabrielle is gone. The storm transitioned to an extratropical system on September 25, 2025, and its remnants made landfall on the Iberian Peninsula on September 28 before dissipating that same day. There is no active tropical cyclone named Gabrielle.

Current position

The extratropical remnants of Gabrielle moved ashore in the Iberian Peninsula region on September 28, bringing heavy rain to eastern Spain but no tropical characteristics. By end of day September 28, the system had dissipated (Wikipedia – Hurricane Gabrielle (2025), 2025).

Anyone checking current hurricane tracking sites for Gabrielle will find the storm archived. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season continues, but Gabrielle’s story is complete.

Tracker links

• Zoom Earth — archived storm tracking with satellite imagery
• Wikipedia — full timeline and impact details
• CBS News — formation coverage and early tracking

What Category Was Hurricane Gabrielle?

Hurricane Gabrielle peaked as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. This made it a major hurricane—defined as Category 3 or higher—though still below the catastrophic thresholds of Category 5 (winds exceeding 157 mph).

Peak strength

Gabrielle reached its peak intensity on September 22, 2025, approximately 200 miles east of Bermuda. The rapid intensification from Category 1 to Category 4 in roughly 24 hours was fueled by warm Atlantic waters and low wind shear. Wind speeds of 140 mph qualify as Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale (Zoom Earth, 2025).

Tropical storm force winds extended outward 175 miles from Gabrielle’s center at formation (CBS News, 2025), giving the storm a substantial wind field even before intensification.

Historical comparisons

Gabrielle was the seventh named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, and the second hurricane. More significantly, it became the season’s second major hurricane—joining a list that typically defines the most dangerous storms of any Atlantic season (Wikipedia, 2025).

In the broader historical context, Category 4 hurricanes are significant but not unprecedented. What made Gabrielle notable was not its peak intensity but rather its longevity and the distance it traveled while maintaining hurricane strength before affecting European territory—albeit as an extratropical system.

Hurricane Gabrielle’s journey across the Atlantic in September 2025 offers a useful reminder about how hurricane tracking and media coverage can diverge. The storm generated substantial anxiety in European markets—searches for “Hurricane Gabrielle Ireland” and “Hurricane Gabrielle UK” spiked during the peak intensity phase on September 22-23. Yet Gabrielle never came within 1,000 miles of either country.

The actual impacts told a different story in different places. Bermuda saw elevated surf but no damage. The Azores received a direct hit from an extratropical storm, displacing 16 residents and damaging infrastructure. Spain’s eastern coast saw flash flooding from Gabrielle’s remnants, with Amposta recording 244 mm of rain in 24 hours. Ibiza bore the heaviest toll: €14.4 million in damage, more than 132 flood-related incidents, and 50 people rescued from vehicles.

For travelers, the lesson is specific rather than general: monitoring actual storm tracks matters far more than monitoring storm names. Gabrielle could have been catastrophic had its track shifted 300 miles east. Instead, it passed harmlessly eastward, leaving behind the familiar Atlantic autumn—and a lot of relieved social media users in Ireland and the UK.

Related reading: Winter Storm Warnings

Frequently asked questions

A late-season cold storm is barreling toward Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho, bringing with it the kind of heavy snow that can turn interstates into parking lots overnight. Officials have already issued Winter Storm Warnings for the region, and meteorologists are watching a second system lined up behind it.

Expected Snowfall: 12-24 inches · Affected States: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho · Temperature Drop: 20-40 degrees · Peak Snow Depth: Up to 5 feet · Warnings Issued By: National Weather Service

What is the Winter Storm Warning?

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings covering a broad swath of the central Rocky Mountains. This is a late-season cold storm pushing snow across Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, with temperatures expected to crash 20-40 degrees as the system moves through.

Issued States and Duration

The warnings stretch across four states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. A second storm system is expected to move through eastern Utah and western Colorado overnight through Sunday morning, bringing gusty winds of 20-30 mph, rain in the valleys, and accumulating snow in the mountains.

National Weather Service Details

The NWS Grand Junction office reports that a Winter Weather Advisory is currently in effect for the northern mountains of Colorado due to several inches of snow accumulation. Additionally, a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather has been issued for southeast Utah and west-central Colorado due to windy, dry conditions ahead of the cold front. Drivers should note that current heavy snow in Wyoming is already impacting highways, with visibility reduced to a quarter mile in central Sweetwater County, according to NWS Riverton.

How Much Snow is Expected?

Forecasters are projecting 12-24 inches of snow across most highway corridors, with substantially higher totals in the mountains. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for up to 5 feet of snow on western US highways, according to Autoblog’s coverage of the incoming system.

12-24 Inches on Highways

The headline number is 12-24 inches for most interstates and state highways in the affected area. However, meteorologists are emphasizing that terrain will create significant variations. Mountain passes and higher elevations will see substantially more than valley floors.

Up to 5 Feet in High Elevations

The January 2-6, 2023 winter storm provides a useful benchmark for what’s possible in this region. During that historic event, snowfall totals in Colorado’s high country reached 1-2 feet in the San Juan Mountains, 3+ feet in central and northern mountains, and locally up to 5 feet. The Tower SNOTEL station in the Park Range recorded an estimated 66 inches over the four-day period, per NWS Grand Junction data.

Which Highways Are Affected?

Travelers should anticipate significant disruptions across the major interstate corridors running through the region. The storm is slamming highways in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho, with winter driving conditions expected to develop rapidly.

Interstates in Colorado Wyoming Utah

The primary corridors at risk include I-70 through Colorado, which serves as the main east-west spine through the mountains, and I-80 in Wyoming. NWS Riverton reports that a heavy snow band has already developed over central Sweetwater County, Wyoming, reducing visibility to a quarter mile—a condition that makes interstate travel extremely hazardous. I-84 through Utah and I-15 in Idaho are also in the warning zone.

Road Conditions and Closures

While specific highway closure times remain uncertain, historical patterns from the January 2023 storm offer clues. During that event, an arctic front stalled along the I-70 corridor by the morning of January 5, causing heavy snow banding and significant travel disruptions. Plowable snowfall was reported in the Grand Valley and many lower-elevation locations after temperatures cooled behind the front, according to NWS Grand Junction’s storm summary. Travelers should check local NWS offices and state DOT websites for real-time updates.

What Temperature Changes Are Forecast?

The temperature drop accompanying this storm is dramatic. Forecasts indicate a 20-40 degree crash as the cold front moves through, transforming mild conditions into freezing or below-freezing temperatures within hours.

20-40 Degree Drops

The late-season cold storm is pulling arctic air south from Canada. As it moves through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, temperatures are expected to fall 20-40 degrees. In some locations, this means dropping from above-freezing readings to single-digit or sub-zero wind chills overnight.

Freezing Conditions

The January 2023 storm offers a telling comparison: it “produced a plowable snowfall in the Grand Valley and many other lower-elevation locations after temperatures cooled behind the front,” noted NWS Grand Junction meteorologists. That storm dumped snow at elevations that typically see rain, confirming how quickly conditions can flip when arctic air arrives.

Local Forecasts for Western Colorado Eastern Utah

For those with specific destinations in mind, regional forecasts vary considerably based on terrain and proximity to the cold front’s leading edge.

NWS Clickable Map Resources

The National Weather Service provides local forecast tools at weather.gov. Visitors to the NWS Grand Junction page can access clickable maps showing current watches, warnings, and hourly forecasts tailored to specific locations in western Colorado and eastern Utah. The main hub at weather.gov/gjt serves as a regional clearinghouse for storm-related information across both states.

Latest Observations

Eastern Utah’s mountains—the Uintas and the La Sal/Abajo Ranges—received 5-15 inches during the January 2023 event. The Uncompahgre Plateau saw 35-45 inches, while the West Elk and Sawatch Ranges recorded 20-50 inches. Snow began in northern eastern Utah on January 3, spreading south through Wednesday and Thursday before ending north to south Thursday night. If the current storm follows a similar track, these ranges could see comparable or greater accumulations.

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NWS road updates highlight how the Wyoming temperature drop warning compounds freezing conditions, with sub-zero snaps disrupting highways from Colorado through Utah.

Frequently asked questions

For travelers caught in this storm, the choice is straightforward: delay your trip if you can, or prepare thoroughly if you cannot. The combination of rapid temperature drops, heavy snow accumulations, and gusty winds creates conditions where even experienced mountain drivers can find themselves stranded. Check conditions before you leave, pack for the possibility of being stuck, and remember that plows need space to work—pulling over when you see them approaching is not just polite, it is safer for everyone on the road.

Few DIY remedies feel as satisfying to pour down a drain as baking soda followed by vinegar. That fizz! It looks like action, like something is breaking up whatever is blocking the pipe. But plumbers keep seeing the same pattern: homeowners try it, the clog stays, and eventually a professional call is needed. This article walks through what chemistry actually says, what drain experts recommend, and where the fizz myth falls apart.

Chemical Reaction: Produces water, sodium acetate, CO₂ gas · Plumber Consensus: Not effective for unclogging drains · Common Use Myth: Loosens debris via fizz · Health Context: Baking soda used for GERD relief

Two categories of facts emerge from the evidence: confirmed outcomes and open questions that the research leaves unresolved.

The table below summarizes the key verified facts about the chemical reaction and its effects.

What do plumbers say about baking soda and vinegar?

The fizzy reaction creates a satisfying show, but it does not clear serious blockages. Most plumbers do not recommend baking soda and vinegar for clogged drains because it fails to remove buildup inside the pipes (Plumber in Schertz TX professional assessment). The CO₂ gas produced escapes freely through plumbing vents and drain openings, so pressure never builds high enough to dislodge anything lodged in the line (Brendid plumber-verified explanation).

Drain unclogging effectiveness

Household drains are open systems, not closed containers. In a sealed jar, the carbon dioxide from the reaction would build pressure and push against the walls. In a drain, the same gas simply bubbles up and floats away through gaps in the clog or around the edges of the trap (AA Plumbing SA licensed plumber). Without that pressure, nothing forces the blockage loose.

The fizz also lacks surfactants—compounds that break down grease the way dish soap does. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) sit unchanged inside the pipe while the neutralized salt solution washes past them (Brendid surfactant analysis). The result looks active but accomplishes nothing against the substances most likely to cause a clog.

Professional alternatives

Plumbers recommend using a plunger first for minor clogs, then a drain snake for anything more stubborn. For clogs that resist these tools, professional services—including hydro jetting—are the standard fix (Balkan Plumbing professional recommendation). The cost difference is notable: a DIY attempt costs nothing upfront but can lead to a service bill once the problem worsens.

What does mixing vinegar and baking soda make?

The chemistry is straightforward. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base; vinegar (acetic acid) is an acid. When combined, they react to form water, sodium acetate, and carbon dioxide gas (Brendid chemistry breakdown). The visible fizz is that CO₂ releasing into the air.

Chemical reaction breakdown

• Baking soda: base (sodium bicarbonate)
• Vinegar: acid (acetic acid)
• Products: water + sodium acetate + CO₂ gas

The reaction is essentially a neutralization. The base and acid cancel each other out, leaving behind a mild salt solution and releasing gas. Nothing in that mixture acts as a cleaner for pipe walls or stubborn residue.

Byproducts explained

Sodium acetate is the same compound used in heating pads and as a food additive (for a tangy flavor in some salty snacks). It is not corrosive, not a solvent, and not a surfactant. When the fizz settles, what remains is mostly salty water with little to no cleaning power left (Dan’s Drain Services byproduct analysis). The gas escapes without scrubbing the sides of the pipe.

Why should you stop mixing baking soda and vinegar to clean?

The problem is structural: mixing the two cancels their useful properties before either can do any work. Baking soda provides mild abrasion and some disinfectant quality on its own (Dan’s Drain Services cleaning properties). Vinegar’s acidity can dissolve mild mineral buildup and kill some bacteria. Combined, however, the acid is spent neutralizing the base, and both ingredients lose their cleaning purpose before they ever touch the clog.

Cleaning power limitations

The fizzing reaction is too weak for larger clogs or distant blockages (TN Standard cleaning limitations). It may temporarily break up loose food particles sitting near the drain opening, but it cannot reach further down the pipe where real buildup accumulates. Grease and soap scum stay attached to pipe walls because nothing in the mixture has the chemical strength to loosen them.

Better solo uses

Baking soda works better used alone—sprinkled into a drain, scrubbed on surfaces, or added to a washing machine load to soften water and boost detergent. Vinegar works better used alone—poured down a drain to help dissolve mild buildup or added to the fabric softener dispenser to cut mineral deposits (Balkan Plumbing solo use guidance). Keep them separate and each retains its purpose.

How long can you leave baking soda and vinegar in the drain?

The reaction is nearly instantaneous once the two ingredients meet. The vigorous fizzing that people count on for “contact time” lasts only a minute or two, and the chemistry is already complete (Brendid reaction timing). There is no benefit to letting the mixture sit longer.

Application timing

The standard recipe calls for 1 cup of baking soda poured directly into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar (Brendid standard recipe). Some guides suggest letting it sit for 30 minutes, but that waiting period accomplishes nothing—the active reaction finishes within minutes.

Flush instructions

The more useful step is what comes after the fizz stops. Flushing with very hot (nearly boiling) water helps melt FOG clogs through heat and gravity, pushing whatever loosened residue further down the pipe (Brendid flush guidance). Run the hot tap for a minute or two after the fizzing ends.

What does baking soda and vinegar do for your body?

The health angle is separate from the drain question, and the two should not be conflated. Drinking the baking soda and vinegar mixture is not recommended. The reaction produces sodium acetate, which is not acutely toxic in small amounts, but the combination tastes unpleasant, can cause bloating, and the carbon dioxide gas may irritate the stomach lining.

Ingestion risks

Vinegar is acidic. Regular consumption can erode tooth enamel and irritate the esophagus lining. Sodium acetate, the byproduct of the reaction, is safe in tiny food quantities but not designed for regular drinking (TN Standard health warning). The fizzy mixture does not become a beneficial tonic simply because both ingredients are pantry staples.

GERD applications

Baking soda alone, dissolved in water, has a legitimate medical use as an antacid. Roughly half a teaspoon in a glass of water can neutralize excess stomach acid and provide temporary relief for occasional acid reflux (Dan’s Drain Services GERD guidance). Medical guidance generally recommends using it only occasionally—no more than a few times per week—and consulting a doctor if symptoms persist.

Vinegar, by contrast, is acidic in the opposite direction. Some people use diluted apple cider vinegar as a folk remedy for various ailments, but the science does not support most of those uses, and consuming vinegar regularly carries risks to tooth enamel.

Here is a practical sequence for drain situations where some intervention makes sense—focused on steps that actually have a chance of helping.

• Try a plunger first. A standard cup plunger works for many minor sink and tub clogs. Create a seal over the drain, pump firmly 15–20 times, and check if water drains freely.
• Use a drain snake for tougher clogs. A hand auger (available at hardware stores for under $30) can reach further into the pipe than a plunger. Feed the cable into the drain and turn the handle to break up or pull out the blockage.
• Flush with very hot water after any attempt. Whether you use a plunger, a snake, or a commercial cleaner, following up with nearly boiling water helps clear residue and melt any remaining FOG.
• Call a plumber if the clog persists. Repeated DIY attempts can push material deeper into the pipe or damage older plumbing. A professional can assess the situation and recommend the right tool—including hydro jetting for serious buildup.

The fizzing combination of baking soda and vinegar is ineffective when fighting grease clogged drains.

— Brendid (Cleaning Expert)

In a drain, the gas has plenty of space to escape.

— AA Plumbing SA (Plumber)

The fizzy reaction does not dissolve anything—it creates carbon dioxide that bubbles away before it can push a clog loose. Without surfactants to cut through grease, the mixture sits harmlessly in the pipe while the real blockage stays in place. Plumbers consistently warn against relying on this method for anything beyond the most minor surface debris.

What keeps the myth alive is the visual appeal. The fizz looks powerful. The bubbling suggests chemical action doing work inside the pipe. But that appearance is misleading: the gas is escaping, not attacking the clog. The reaction products are neutral salt and water, neither of which has cleaning strength against the fats and soap residue that cause most drain clogs.

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Plumbers dismiss vinegar and baking soda’s fizz as a drain unclogger, though the pair effectively tackles buildup in washing machines during routine maintenance.

Frequently asked questions