Erin, a tropical storm in the East Atlantic, could eventually develop into a “major hurricane,” federal forecasters said.
The most deadly hurricane in US history
The final death toll from Hurricane Helen is still unknown, but the number has risen to over 200.
Tropical storm Erin is formed in the East Atlantic Ocean and is on track to become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season, meteorologists said.
Miami’s National Hurricane Center announced on Monday, August 11 that Erin developed from tropical waves when she was cornered west of the Cabo Verde Islands, an archipelago on Africa’s west coast.
As of 11am, the storm had moved west at 20 mph and maintained a wind of 45 mph, the Hurricane Center said. The storm was located 280 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and over 2,300 miles from the Leeward Islands.
The storm is expected to continue to be strengthened as it soaks the barrels west for the next few days. The Hurricane Centre states that several regional models “indicating that Erin has become a major hurricane.” This means that there will be winds above 110 mph for storms in Category 3 or below.
Erin is one of three obstructions that meteorologists have been tracking in the Atlantic, and poses the greatest threat. It’s still early, and there’s a high level of uncertainty in the long-term tracks of the storm. Still, experts are urging people interested in the Caribbean and the East Coast of the US to monitor its development.
Warm Atlantic waters to fuel Erin’s development into hurricanes
As Tropical Storm Erin heads west, it encounters very warm waters and can promote its development into a major hurricane, says Alex Dasilva, lead hurricane expert at Accuweather.
In his online outlook, Dasilva said water temperatures across much of the Atlantic Ocean were “warm enough to support tropical development and rapid strengthening.”
He added that there are several factors that could affect where the storm will ultimately land, including the strength of the cold front that moves off the US east coast.
If the cold front is fast and strong, it could push the storm into the ocean and leave the US, Dasilva said. If it’s slow and weak, the storm can push it right away, posing a threat to the East Coast. Other factors include the shearing of the wind and the location of the “Bermuda High,” a high pressure area that could pilot the hurricane. So far, it’s too early to know where the storm is going.
Storm Tracker: Storm Tracking in the Atlantic Ocean
Tropical Storm Erin’s Spaghetti Model
This predicted track shows the most likely pathway in the center of the storm. The full width of the storm or its impact is not shown, and the storm center can move out of the cone for up to 33% of the time.
Forecasters track two other obstructions in the Atlantic
Apart from tropical storm Erin, meteorologists are tracking two systems in the Atlantic.
In the Central Atlantic, low-pressure, weak troughs with low potential for development are expected to drift north. The obstruction “just creates limited showers and thunderstorm activity,” the Hurricane Centre said.
Meanwhile, a system of moving north across the warm waters of the Gulf Rivers was tracked hundreds of miles from the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. By mid-week, forecasters say the system will encounter cooler waters, “ending the possibility of further tropical development.”
According to the National Hurricane Centre, both systems are 10% likely to develop over the next week.
What’s going on in the Pacific Ocean?
Located north of Hawaii, Hurricane Henriet is predicted to remain a hurricane for several more days before it vanishes into the storm before it lands, according to the National Hurricane Centre and Central Pacific Hurricane Centre.
IVO, a tropical depression located west of Mexico, is also expected to dissipate by Tuesday, August 12th, before making landfall.
Storm Tracker: Tracking Pacific Storms
When did the 2025 hurricane season begin?
Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1st and continues until the end of November.
Aggressive hurricane weather usually peaks between mid-August and mid-October.
How do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes originate in the tropical regions above warm waters. Thunderstorm clusters can develop across the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are correct, clusters are swirling into tropical waves and storms known as tropical depression.
Tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm when its sustained wind speed reaches 39 mph. When the wind reaches 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Get ready for a hurricane now
Potentially delaying preparations for salvation can mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get disaster supply while the shelves are still in stock and flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so get that insurance inspection early,” NOAA recommends.
- Establish an evacuation plan: If you are at risk of a hurricane, you will need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to plan where you will go and how you will get there.
- Assemble disaster supply: Whether you’re evacuated or not, you’ll need supplies not only to get through the storm, but also for the potentially long aftermath, NOAA said.
- Get an insurance inspection and document your property: Contact your insurance company or agent now to ask for an insurance inspection and make sure you have sufficient insurance to repair or replace your home or belongings. Remember that home insurance and tenant insurance don’t cover floods, so you need a separate policy. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or through your national flood insurance program. Flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, so take action now.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said he took the time to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family. Determine where family gatherings are to be located and include out-of-town locations in the event of evacuation.
- It strengthens your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Trim the wood; attach storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass. Seal the wall opening.
Contributor: Cheryl McLeod, USA Today Network -Florida
Julia is a trend reporter for USA Today. Connect with her LinkedIn, x, Instagram and TiktokPlease email: @juliamariegz or jgomez @gannett.com
