Erin poised to become first major hurricane of 2025 Atlantic season

Tropical Storm Erin forms in the central Atlantic and tracks toward the Caribbean while forecasters watch for possible rapid strengthening.

Erin poised to become first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season

Tropical Storm Erin formed in the central Atlantic on Monday morning and is forecast to move west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph. The National Hurricane Center says winds near 45 mph qualify it as a tropical storm, and forecasts indicate Erin could strengthen into a hurricane and possibly reach Category 3 status by the weekend, taking a track north of Puerto Rico.

Earlier, Erin’s precursor brought heavy rain to Cabo Verde as Invest 97L, damaging roads and private property and prompting reports of missing people and fatalities. The Cabo Verde government declared a state of calamity on St Vincent and St Anthony. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and forecasters caution that tracks can shift quickly.

The storm tests emergency planning in remote islands and on the mainland as officials prepare for potential rapid intensification. If Erin becomes a major hurricane, governments will face pressure to fund urgent response, sheltering, and recovery efforts in a split-second. Forecast uncertainty remains a key challenge, underscoring why clear, actionable guidance must reach residents and local authorities fast.

Beyond weather science, the situation highlights how preparedness intersects with budgets, coordination among agencies, and communication with the public. Early warnings can save lives, but decisions about evacuations and resources depend on timely, trusted information and solid planning.

Highlights

Prepare for the worst while hoping for the forecast to prove conservative.