The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is urging residents of the Virgin Islands to begin early preparations for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which meteorologists warn is likely to be significantly more active than average. Photo: 96krock.com

Director of Disaster Management (DDM) Mr Jasen H. Penn has urged the Virgin Islands to make early preparation for the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season. Photo: GIS/File

According to the latest forecast from the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project, 2025 is shaping up to be a formidable hurricane season. Photo: WMAR

The Atlantic Hurricane Season kicks off on June 1 and runs through the end of November.

Director of Disaster Management (DDM) Mr Jasen H. Penn, in speaking to the importance of readiness, warned that even lower-category storms can wreak havoc on the territory.

“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; This is why we encourage all Virgin Islands residents to make it a habit to begin seasonal storm preparations early.”

17 named storms predicted

According to the latest forecast from the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project, 2025 is shaping up to be a formidable hurricane season. The outlook calls for 17 named storms, with nine of those expected to intensify into hurricanes.

Of these, four are projected to reach major hurricane status — Category 3 or higher. These numbers exceed the 30-year average (1991–2020), which typically sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes in a season.

The predicted uptick in storm activity is being driven by unusually high sea-surface temperatures across the Atlantic, a known factor in storm development and intensification.

Make early preparations- Jasen H. Penn

In light of the forecast, Mr Penn urged the public not to wait until the last minute, noting that early preparation affords individuals and families more time to assess their risk, secure their property, and finalise emergency plans.

“Preparing early for possible hurricanes gives persons more time to carry out repairs, review emergency plans, update contact lists, clear bulky waste, and gather essential supplies,” he explained.

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

To bolster preparedness efforts, Mr Penn is also encouraging residents to make use of the DDM Alert App, which delivers emergency notifications directly to mobile phones.

“We urge residents to download the DDM Alert App to receive emergency information to their mobile phones,” he stated..
For updates and additional preparedness tips, residents are advised to follow official channels and stay informed through the DDM’s website and social media platforms.