Above-Average 2025 Hurricane Season Ends
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on November 30, with the Government’s Department of Disaster Management (DDM) reporting 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes — ranking the season as above average. Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn said three storms reached Category 5 strength and stressed the need for year-round preparedness; the DDM also provided details on local impacts, regional losses and where residents can find preparedness resources.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on November 30, and the Government’s Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has judged the season to be above average in both impact and intensity. The basin produced 13 named storms and five hurricanes, four of which became major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher), the DDM reported.
Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn highlighted the season’s severity, noting that three storms — Erin, Humberto and Melissa — reached Category 5 strength, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour. He added that a fourth hurricane, Gabrielle, reached Category 4, and the fifth hurricane, Imelda, peaked at Category 2. “This is only the second year on record with more than two Category 5 hurricanes,” Mr.
Penn said, noting that historically roughly 3% of storms strengthen to Category 5. The season’s Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE), a metric that captures a storm’s strength and duration and correlates with potential wind and surge damage, reached 133 — above the long-term average of 123.
For context, a typical Atlantic season yields about 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Locally, Hurricane Erin produced the greatest direct effects on the British Virgin Islands. The storm passed close enough to drop more than nine inches of rain on Road Town, causing flooding in low-lying areas and triggering mudslides.
The DDM is reminding residents to check properties for damage from runoff and unstable soils and to avoid floodwaters and slopes prone to landslides until inspections are completed. Regionally, Hurricane Melissa was the deadliest and most destructive this season. The DDM reported at least 106 fatalities in Jamaica and Haiti and estimated damages exceeding US$10 billion, placing Melissa among the strongest and most damaging hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin.
Penn also reiterated findings from researchers that, while the total number of hurricanes has not risen significantly, a larger share of storms are intensifying into very destructive Category 4 and 5 hurricanes. “This underscores the importance of preparedness for all of us,” he said, urging year‑round readiness because tropical cyclones can form outside the official June 1–November 30 season.
The Department of Disaster Management is providing preparedness resources for residents, including a family emergency plan template, a current list of emergency shelters and a home emergency kit checklist available at www.bviddm.com. For questions, contact the DDM Information & Education Manager Chrystall Kanyuck‑Abel via ckanyuck-abel@gov.vg.
The DDM encourages all residents to review evacuation routes, top up emergency supplies, secure loose outdoor items, and stay informed through official channels during any weather threat. The department also reminded the public that this season is the ninth in the last decade to be classed as above normal or extremely active, reinforcing the need for ongoing vigilance and preparation.
Primary source: BVI Government