Tropical Storm Jerry Closing in on Hurricane Status: How Coastal Homeowners Should Prepare

Tropical Storm Jerry, the 10th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, is picking up steam and is slated to reach hurricane strength by this weekend.

At the start of the week, the system was a cluster of showers and low pressure between Africa and the Lesser Antilles, moving west-northwest toward the Caribbean, according to The Weather Channel. 

Now, Tropical Storm Jerry forecasted to veer north, bringing tropical storm conditions later Thursday to the Caribbean. Heavy rain is expected through Friday across the region, including the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, with up to 6 inches possible, bringing the risk of flash flooding, according to The Weather Channel.

While Jerry will likely become a hurricane between Friday and Saturday, the storm should turn northward then turn sharply east over the weekend, staying well clear of making landfall in Bermuda and the U.S., according to the National Hurricane Center.

However, the Northeast will still be belted with a decent amount of rain as the first nor'easter of the season moves in.

Recap of the hurricane season so far

As of October, 10 storms have reached high enough intensity to be named, with four becoming hurricanes. Jerry would make five.

The strongest thus far has been Hurricane Erin, which managed to reach Category 5 status and cause intense coastal flooding from the Carolinas to New Jersey. It was followed by Hurricane Gabrielle in mid-September, which reached Category 4 intensity before shifting out to sea. Both Hurricane Humberto and Imelda reached Category 2 status in late September, before doing the same. 

Thankfully, landfall activity in the U.S has been minimal, remaining largely over the open Atlantic, passing well offshore of major land areas

The 2025 hurricane season was predicted to be 'above normal'

The NOAA updated its 2025 hurricane season outlook—originally released in May—reaffirming its forecast for “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane activity through Nov. 30. Experts now place the likelihood of a more intense-than-average season at 50%, down from 60% in May.

The agency anticipates 13–18 named storms with winds of at least 39 mph, of which 5–9 could become hurricanes (74+ mph). Of those, 2–5 may intensify into major hurricanes with sustained winds exceeding 111 mph.

“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm in a recent NOAA report.

A 2025 hurricane risk report from Cotality, a data-driven tech company, estimated more than 33.1M residential properties—with a combined reconstruction cost value (RCV) of $11.7T—face moderate or greater risk of hurricane-force wind damage. Florida, Texas, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts rank highest in both number of at-risk homes and total RCV exposure.

How to prepare for a hurricane before it makes landfall

The best defense is a good offense during hurricane season. While there’s only so much homeowners can do to protect property, taking action early provides vital peace of mind.

“Ideally, you'd get hurricane-ready in the months leading up to the start of hurricane season on June 1,” says Rachael Gauthier, meteorologist at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety in Charlotte, NC. This is the time to stock up on water, nonperishables, and a go-bag with documents, cash, and prescriptions.

When a storm threat looms, insurance companies often issue binding restrictions, halting new policies or coverage increases. Homeowners are urged to review and secure their insurance coverage long before a storm forms.

"If a hurricane rips off your siding and you’re not covered by home insurance, your emergency savings can help you recover financially," notes Melanie Musson, insurance expert at Clearsurance.com. Keeping emergency funds ready for uninsured losses is essential.

Before a storm nears, families should also map evacuation routes and choose meeting points inside and outside the home. "Everyone should have an evacuation plan," Musson adds, emphasizing the importance of preparation for quick departures.

A few days before potential landfall, homeowners should board up windows, bring in outdoor furniture, and secure loose items that can turn into projectiles. Gauthier also recommends fueling vehicles and generators ahead of time to avoid last-minute shortages.