Tropical Storm Erin forms just west of Cabo Verde islands

JEAN-MARC RAMPERSAD

Climate Change Editor & Weather Anchor

As of 11 am today, August 11, Tropical Storm Erin has formed from a Tropical Wave, which has been strengthening ever since it left the African West Coast late on Friday (August 8, 2025).

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC):

“Tropical Storm Erin is located near latitude 17.4 North, longitude 28.0 West (about 3,710 km east of the Northern Leeward Islands). Erin is moving toward the west near 31 km/h, and this motion is expected to continue for the next several days.”

The NHC continued:

“Gradual strengthening is forecast over the next several days. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 55 km from the centre.”

Erin is expected to intensify to hurricane strength by Wednesday (August 13), and a major, Category 3 hurricane by Saturday (August 16). The forecast track (and associated cone) takes it north of, but very close to, the Northern Leeward Islands on Saturday.

At this time, Erin is not expected to directly impact Trinidad and Tobago.

Currently, no watches or warnings are in effect, as the system is at least five days away from any land mass.

The NHC noted:

“The system has a small circulation which could be prone to rapid intensity changes, either up or down.”

Currently, environmental conditions are not optimal for rapid intensification but in the next two to three days, it is expected to move over warmer waters, hence the reason for NHC’s forecast of hurricane strength by Wednesday.

All interests in the Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Bahamas, Bermuda and the U.S East coast should monitor the progress of this system.