Tropical Storm Erin could become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, and a major one at that, according to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center.
Erin formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Monday and is projected to move west. During the course of this week, it’s expected to strengthen. As of Monday, it didn’t pose an immediate threat to the U.S.
Where is Tropical Storm Erin, and what is its path?
As of 11 a.m. ET Monday:
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Erin was located 280 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.
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The storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
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The storm was moving west at 20 mph and is expected to continue over the next several days.
What are the chances it will intensify?
The NHC’s intensity forecast for Tropical Storm Erin is “a little tricky” in the short term, with slow intensification through Wednesday, Aug. 13, the agency said in a Monday forecast discussion. Then the rate of intensity “will likely increase,” and by Saturday, Aug. 16, Tropical Storm Erin could become a “major hurricane,” with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.
A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when maximum sustained winds reach at least 74 mph. Hurricanes are rated on a scale ranging from Category 1 to Category 5, with 5 being the most severe. A storm is considered a major hurricane when it reaches Category 3 strength, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
According to the Tropical Storm Erin forecast, maximum sustained winds of 115 mph mean it would be considered a Category 3 major hurricane, according to the NHC.
Watches and warnings in place
As of 11 a.m. ET Monday, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
How is hurricane season shaping up?
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and runs through the end of November, has a 50% chance of being above normal.
Last week, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration slightly updated the number of expected named storms to between 13 and 18 (previously 13 to 19 in May), two to five of which could become major hurricanes (with winds of more than 111 mph).
A typical hurricane season averages 14 named storms. We’re currently about halfway through this year’s hurricane season, and there have been five so far: Tropical Storms Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter and Erin.
