Deadliest hurricanes in United States history
The final death toll from Hurricane Helene is still unknown, though numbers have climbed to more than 200. Could it become one of the deadliest?
Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the Atlantic Ocean just west of the Cabo Verde Islands and is expected to become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season
The storm formed into a tropical cyclone at 11 a.m., according to the National Hurricane Center. It is still early and there are high levels of uncertainty in the storm’s long-term track. Still, experts urge those with interests in the Caribbean and eastern coast of the U.S. to monitor its development.
The storm is expected to reach hurricane strength between Aug. 13 and Aug 14. It could become a major hurricane by Aug. 16.
Here’s what we know about the storm and hurricane season.
Will Tropical Storm Erin impact Delaware?
It’s way too soon to tell, but according to AccuWeather.com, the storm could stay off the East Coast.
“Atmospheric conditions are conducive for tropical development in this region, including a lack of dust, warm water and a lack of disruptive breezes known as wind shear,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said in a release. “At this time, the upper air pattern late week favors the storm turning north and likely staying east of the U.S. East Coast. There can also be an increase in rough surf and rip currents along the East Coast beaches next weekend into early the following week.”
What do the spaghetti models look like for Tropical Storm Erin?
Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.
When is hurricane season?
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. However, hurricanes can occur before and after those dates.
When is the peak of hurricane season?
The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the hurricane center.
What are the categories for tropical cyclones and hurricanes?
Tropical storm
A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with winds between 39 and 73 mph. These storms bring heavy rains that could lead to dangerous flooding.
Category 1
A category 1 storm is the weakest of the hurricanes with winds between 74-95 mph. The storm will cause some flooding, but no real structural damage.
Category 2
A category 2 storm has winds between 96-110 mph. The storm can cause moderate damage to buildings.
Category 3
A category 3 storm will have winds from 111-129 mph. It can cause major damage to well-built framed homes, uproot trees and cause power and communication outages.
Category 4
A category 4 storm can cause catastrophic damage to well-built framed homes, tearing off roofs and breaking exterior walls. Mobile homes are destroyed. Roads are impassible and there are communication and power outages.
Category 5
A category 5 storm can cause catastrophic damage with most framed homes and mobile homes being destroyed. Trees will be snapped and uprooted. Roads will be impassible and there will be extended power and communication outages.
What is the forecast for hurricane season 2025?
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Named storms: 13 to 19
- Hurricanes: 6-10
- Major hurricanes: 3 to 5
Colorado State forecasters
Experts at Colorado State University are forecasting:
- Named storms: 17
- Hurricanes: 9
AccuWeather forecast
Forecasters at AccuWeather.com are predicting:
Direct impact on the United States: 3 to 6
Named storms: 13 to 18
Hurricanes: 7 to 10
Major hurricanes: 3 to 5
Here is the list of names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
The names are given out in alphabetical order, and each new storm gets the next name on the list. There are no Q, U, X, Y, or Z names because of the lack of names that begin with those letters. So far this season, Andrea through Dexter have been used on tropical storms.
Here’s how to pronounce all of the 2025 hurricane names.
- Andrea
- Barry
- Chantal
- Dexter
- Erin
- Fernand
- Gabrielle
- Humberto
- Imelda
- Jerry
- Karen
- Lorenzo
- Melissa
- Nestor
- Olga
- Pablo
- Rebekah
- Sebastien
- Tanya
- Van
- Wendy
Prepare now for hurricanes
Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends.
- Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
- Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
- Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
- Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
Doyle Rice contributed to this story