Hurricane Erin

Hurricane Erin was a hurricane that moved off the coast of the northern Leeward Islands. It was the fifth named storm and the first major hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The hurricane's strengthening was the fastest of any Atlantic tropical cyclone on record through September 1. It was also the second-most intense hurricane to form prior to August 16, after Allen.

 Meteorological history 
Hurricane Erin formed in the Atlantic Ocean. It went through a period of quick intensification, meaning it was getting windier inside the storm. The storm became a Category 5 hurricane in 24 hours. Erin's path took it north of the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and the Greater Antilles. It caused heavy rainfall in those areas. While it was not expected to make landfall in the United States, Erin's storm surge made dangerous rip currents along the East Coast.

 Preparation and influence 
Heavy rains caused significant flooding in the Cape Verdean islands, especially on the northwestern island of São Vicente. Rain flooded the island, washing away vehicles and damaging several homes. In just five hours, São Vicente received  of rainfall, according to the Cape Verdean government's National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics. The Flash floods killed nine people, including four children, according to the country's Ministry of Education. Seven people drowned in the floods. And another was electrocuted. Five more people were missing, and 1,500 people were displaced by the floods. Debris and fallen trees blocked roads. Power outages affected much of the island. Some commercial buildings were also damaged. 

In response to the significant damage and loss of life, the Cape Verdean government declared a state of emergency on São Vicente and the neighboring island of Santo Antão. The country's National Civil Protection Service was sent to the islands to repair damage to infrastructure. The World Bank Group allocated US$10 million for recovery efforts following the storm.

References

Category:Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes
Category:2025 in North America
Category:2025 Atlantic hurricane season
Category:September 2025 events