The first Atlantic hurricane of 2025, Hurricane Erin, reached category 5 status before weakening to a category 3 hurricane. The storm caused heavy rains and strong winds in the Caribbean, specifically affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Erin’s maximum sustained winds were recorded at 125mph (205kph), with the storm’s center located north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The NHC issued a tropical storm warning for the area, with rainfall expected to reach up to 8 inches (20cm) in isolated regions. Over 159,000 customers in Puerto Rico were left without power due to the hurricane, according to Luma Energy.
The impact of Hurricane Erin extended to the Bahamas, with a tropical storm watch in place for the south-eastern region. Scientists have linked the rapid intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic to climate change, emphasizing the role of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions in fueling these extreme weather events.
