Tropical Storm Erin Causes Deadly Flooding in Cape Verde
Tropical Storm Erin has formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, but even before it was officially named, its precursor system caused deadly flooding and heavy rainfall in the Cape Verde islands. The island of São Vicente was particularly hard-hit.
Initial reports from local authorities indicate a death toll of at least eight people, with some sources citing a higher number of nine fatalities. The victims include several children. Additionally, at least three people are reported missing. The heavy rainfall, which included an extreme 192.3 mm (7.57 inches) in just five hours on São Vicente, overwhelmed emergency services and caused widespread damage, including road closures.
The system has now strengthened into Tropical Storm Erin, the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict it will continue to move west, strengthening as it goes, and could become the season's first major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by the end of the week.
