Hurricane Humberto Tracker
Hurricane Humberto formed over the Atlantic in late September 2025 and quickly became one of the most powerful storms in history. In less than 24 hours, it intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane with winds exceeding 160 mph (257 km/h).
Though it never made landfall, Humberto’s rapid growth and far-reaching after-effects revealed how powerful and unpredictable hurricanes can be. Learn why Hurricane Humberto strengthened so quickly and what this Category 5 hurricane means for your family.
Hurricane Humberto’s Rapid Growth In The Atlantic
Hurricane Humberto made history in late September 2025 as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms of the decade. Although it fortunately fizzled out in the Atlantic without reaching land, Humberto is a warning. This powerful storm demonstrates that we’re in a new era of extreme weather, where once-in-a-generation events are now occurring with greater frequency.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initially named Hurricane Humberto Invest 93L. It started as a tropical front that moved off the west coast of Africa on September 19. By September 24, it became a tropical storm and quickly gained strength. Within just 24 hours, winds surged from 65 mph to 145 mph, which classified Humberto into a Category 4 hurricane. By September 27, it was officially a Category 5 hurricane. Fortunately, Hurricane Humberto never struck land. The closest it got was roughly 685 miles (1,105 km) from Bermuda. It finally dissipated on October 1, 2025.
Still, Hurricane Humberto is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of these storms. Humberto was the fourth consecutive Category 5 storm in the Atlantic since 2022, a streak that meteorologists attribute to warmer sea surface temperatures. It’s also one of 42 Category 5 storms recorded since 1924, so its lack of landfall clearly saved hundreds of lives and billions in damage.
Understanding Hurricane Force and Damage
Meteorologists use the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale to classify hurricanes. This is the scale that organizes hurricanes into categories ranked 1 to 5, with 5 being the most destructive. Experts categorize hurricanes based on their wind speeds, which tells us how destructive the storm could be. However, categorization doesn’t account for flooding or rainfall, which can cause significant damage on their own.
Humberto strengthened incredibly fast: it went from Category 1 to Category 5 in a matter of a few days. That kind of steep climb is precisely what makes today’s hurricanes so dangerous.
Humberto’s After-Effects
Hurricane Humberto thankfully never reached land. However, the storm had a far-reaching influence on a global scale.
When Humberto passed Bermuda, the island still recorded up to two inches of rainfall and coastal flooding in low-lying areas. Massive swells and life-threatening rip currents radiated outward across the western Atlantic, battering beaches from Florida to New England. The U.S. East Coast experienced beach erosion, hazardous surf conditions, and minor coastal flooding in some areas. Fortunately, there were no casualties, largely thanks to early warnings.
Humberto didn’t stop in the Americas. Although the storm dissipated, its remnants helped spawn Storm Amy, which struck Europe. Amy unleashed winds up to 96 mph (155 km/h), caused roughly 200,000 power outages, and tragically resulted in one fatality in Ireland. Dublin Airport delayed and canceled dozens of flights because of intense gusts and heavy rain.
While Humberto’s after-effects were tragic, there was a silver lining. Humberto’s strong winds altered the path of Hurricane Imelda, sparing the U.S. Gulf Coast from a direct hit.
Preparing For A Hurricane Alert
Every hurricane is different. When you receive a hurricane alert for your area, it’s crucial to listen to local authorities. If you have an evacuation order, take it seriously and leave the area to protect your family.
Whether you shelter in place or evacuate, your family needs a hurricane preparedness plan. Hurricane season lasts from June to November every year, so set a reminder every May to revisit your plan. Run through a preparedness checklist to thoroughly prepare before an emergency happens.
Ensure your preparedness kit includes the following items, and enough to cover three days:
One gallon of water a day per person
Nonperishable food
Medical supplies
Hygiene items
Flashlights and batteries
Hand-crank radio
Copies of important documents
Reliable backup power is also key for preparing for hurricanes like Humberto. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra is a portable power station with enough juice to power your essential appliances and devices at home, or keep you comfortable in the event of an evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Forecasters Measure a Hurricane’s Intensity?
Meteorologists rank hurricanes based on their wind speed and pressure. However, they also look at the hurricane on a satellite and may even send specialized aircraft to measure the storm. Meteorologists rank the storm according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes storms from Category 1 to 5 based on wind speed.
How Often Are Hurricane Advisories Updated?
The National Hurricane Center issues advisories every six hours. However, if a situation is changing quickly and becoming more dangerous, it may send immediate advisories to keep the public informed.
What Makes Rip Currents So Dangerous During Hurricanes?
Rip currents are dangerous because they can happen hundreds of miles away from a hurricane, where there’s seemingly no danger. Hurricanes generate large swells that create fast, narrow channels of water that can take you out to sea. They move as fast as eight feet per second, so it’s very difficult to escape rip tides and return to shore.
Hurricane Humberto Highlights the Need for Emergency Preparedness
Hurricane Humberto may not have made landfall, but it still had far-reaching effects. It shows how even distant storms can affect communities that are oceans apart.
Hurricane Humberto strengthened so quickly that it would have been difficult for the East Coast to prepare for a Category 5 storm. That’s why it’s so important to get ready at the start of hurricane season in June, and not just when a storm is on the way.
Storms will always test our readiness, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can face hurricane season with confidence. Above-average hurricane seasons are the new normal, so you need reliable backup power at all times. EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Series Portable Power Station will keep your lights and essential devices running even when hurricanes threaten the power grid.