The 33 percent drop was recorded despite the wildfires that ravaged wealthy neighbourhoods in Los Angeles in January, burning more than 9,308 hectares (23,000 acres), destroying homes and businesses and forcing thousands to flee. Swiss Re put the insured losses from the inferno at $40bn, labelling it the globe's costliest wildfire to date. That single event was a major contributor to the $107bn in insured losses from natural catastrophes in 2025.
Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Steady strengthening is expected during the next few days and Erin is forecast to become a hurricane later today, and it could become a major hurricane by this weekend.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms. Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes, including 3-5 major hurricanes.
"It's certainly one of the more important data sources that we have because it provides a unique dataset...the only way really to see through clouds and get a sense of the organizational structure of the core of a developing cyclone."
Hurricane parties bring neighbors together, creating a sense of community amidst the chaos, where shared meals and camaraderie make enduring the storm more bearable.
