 Upon becoming a subtropical cyclone , Gabrielle was located in an area of cooler air to its north , dry air to its south and west , southerly wind shear , and cooler water temperatures along its path . Despite these unfavorable conditions , a curved convective band developed in its northern and western quadrants , and the circulation became better defined . Subsequently , the rainbands in its northeastern quadrant dissipated , leaving the well @-@ defined center far removed from the convection . By later that day , the circulation began to become more involved with the remaining convection . Based on evidence of a weak warm @-@ core , the system was re @-@ designated as Tropical Storm Gabrielle late on September 8 about 185 miles ( 300 km ) southeast of Cape Lookout , North Carolina . 
