The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season ended on November 30 as another above average season, the ninth in the last decade to be considered either above normal or extremely active.

Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn noted that three 2025 hurricanes, Erin, Humberto and Melissa, reached category 5 strength, meaning they had sustained winds of 157 miles per hour or greater speeds. A fourth hurricane, Gabrielle, was a Category 4, and the fifth, Imelda, reached Category 2 strength. 

“This is only the second year on record with more than two Category 5 hurricanes,” Mr. Penn said, adding that overall, approximately 3% of storms have strengthened to Category 5.

Researchers have found that the total number of hurricanes has not changed, but a greater percentage of them are becoming very destructive Category 4 or 5 hurricanes, Mr. Penn said, adding, “This underscores the importance of preparedness for all of us.” 

This season brought 13 named storms, including five hurricanes, of which four became major hurricanes in the Atlantic basin. An average season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). 

Accumulated Cyclone Energy, a measure of a storm’s potential to bring storm surge and wind damage, reached 133, above the average 123.

Hurricane Erin caused the greatest impact in the Virgin Islands this season, passing close enough to drop more than 9 inches of rain on Road Town and cause flooding in low lying areas as well as mudslides.

Regionally, Hurricane Melissa caused the most damage by far, including 106 deaths in Jamaica and Haiti. One of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, Melissa is estimated to have caused more than $10 billion in damage to the region. 

The Department of Disaster Management reminds residents that storms can form outside the June 1 – November 30 hurricane season, so it is important remain prepared throughout the year. For preparedness resources such as a family emergency plan template, the latest list of emergency shelters, and a checklist of items to include in home emergency kits, visit www.bviddm.com.