MIAMI – A new tropical storm, Jerry, has officially formed in the central Atlantic Ocean, marking the tenth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami issued its first advisory on Tropical Storm Jerry on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as the system begins its westward trajectory. Forecasters anticipate Jerry will strengthen significantly in the coming days, with projections indicating it will become a hurricane and pose potential impacts to the northern Leeward Islands in the Caribbean later this week.
Separately, across the vast Pacific, Hurricane Priscilla has intensified into a formidable Category 2 storm off the coast of Mexico, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the region, with the possibility of strengthening further.
Jerry’s Genesis and Projected Path
Tropical Storm Jerry officially organized from a disturbed weather system, previously designated as Invest 95L, in the tropical central Atlantic. As of the NHC’s 11:00 AM AST advisory, Jerry was located approximately 1,315 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands. The storm is currently moving westward at a brisk 24 mph, with maximum sustained winds reported at 45 mph.
Environmental conditions in the Atlantic appear favorable for intensification, with light upper-level winds, warm sea surface temperatures, and abundant moisture present. Forecasters predict that Jerry will likely strengthen into a hurricane within the next 24 to 48 hours. The storm’s projected path indicates a gradual decrease in forward speed and a turn towards the west-northwest over the next couple of days. This track places the center of Jerry near, or just north of, the northern Leeward Islands by late Thursday and Friday. While current models suggest Jerry will recurve northward into the open Atlantic, steering clear of the United States mainland and Bermuda, there remains some uncertainty regarding the exact timing and latitude of this turn.
Caribbean Islands on Alert as Jerry Approaches
The proximity of Tropical Storm Jerry to the Caribbean has prompted increased vigilance. Swells generated by the storm are expected to reach the Leeward Islands by Thursday, October 9, potentially causing life-threatening surf and dangerous rip current conditions. Forecasters anticipate that the storm could bring 1 to 2 inches of rain to portions of the northern Lesser Antilles, with localized totals reaching up to 4 inches, raising the possibility of flash flooding and travel disruptions. Gusty winds, ranging from 40 to 60 mph, are also forecast to accompany Jerry’s closest approach to the islands.
While no coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect for Jerry, interests in the northern Leeward Islands are strongly advised to monitor the progress of the storm and stay updated with advisories from the NHC.
An Active 2025 Hurricane Season
The formation of Tropical Storm Jerry underscores the active nature of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which was predicted by experts to be above-normal. The season, officially running from June 1 to November 30, has already seen several notable storms, including Hurricane Erin, which reached Category 5 strength, and Hurricane Gabrielle, a Category 4 storm. The season’s activity, influenced by factors such as warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, has kept forecasters on alert.
Pacific Activity: Hurricane Priscilla Intensifies Off Mexico’s Coast
In a separate development, Hurricane Priscilla has strengthened considerably in the eastern Pacific Ocean. As of Tuesday, October 7, Priscilla was classified as a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph, according to the NHC. The storm was located off the coast of Mexico, southwest of Cabo Corrientes and south of the Baja California peninsula.
Priscilla’s path is expected to remain parallel to the Mexican coast, bringing heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and significant surf to parts of Baja California Sur and southwestern Mexico. Forecasters warn of potential flash flooding in higher terrain and hazardous surf conditions. While Priscilla is forecast to weaken by midweek, its impacts are already being felt, leading to preventative measures such as the cancellation of classes in coastal Mexican communities. This separate Pacific storm activity highlights the diverse weather patterns occurring globally during this active storm season.
Staying Informed on Tropical Weather
As both Jerry and Priscilla develop, the NHC will continue to issue regular updates. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed through official sources and to have preparedness plans in place. The evolution of these storms underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of tropical cyclone seasons. This is a developing news story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
