17 named storms forecasted

After forecasters predicted above-average storm activity this year, the Department of Disaster Management is urging residents to prepare early for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Citing warm sea-surface temperatures as the driving factor, the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project estimated that the season, which runs from June through November, will see 17 named storms.

Nine are expected to develop into hurricanes, with four reaching “major hurricane” strength of Category Three or higher.

Between 1991 and 2020, the average hurricane season had 14 named storms and seven hurricanes, three of which were “major.”

Lessons learned

Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn said forecasts for the season cover the entire Atlantic basin, but even one storm making landfall in the VI can be extremely destructive.

“We observed last season with Ernesto that a system categorised as a tropical storm carries the potential to topple trees, damage roads and cause serious disruption in our lives,” Mr. Penn said, adding, “This is why we encourage all Virgin Islands residents to make it a habit to begin seasonal storm preparations early.”

The director added that preparing early affords more time to carry out repairs, review emergency plans, update contact lists, clear bulky waste, and gather essential supplies.

“Once a storm is heading to the territory, time is very limited,” Mr. Penn said. “We do not want any of our people caught off guard this hurricane season.”

DDM app

He also urged residents to download the DDM Alert App to receive emergency information on their mobile phones.

Free tools to help prepare for the upcoming season — including a storm-tracking map, an emergency-kit checklist, and the list of emergency shelters — are available at www.bviddm.com.