Tropical Storm Barbara has strengthened into a hurricane, marking the first hurricane of the eastern Pacific hurricane season. As seen in the satellite image released by NOAA, Barbara formed off the southwest coast of Mexico and is currently located about 155 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. The storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and is moving northwest at 10 mph. Although no coastal warnings or watches were issued at the time, the National Hurricane Center in Miami warns that swells generated by Barbara will affect portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico in the coming days. These swells are expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
While Hurricane Barbara poses a significant threat, there is also Tropical Storm Cosme to keep an eye on. Cosme, currently located about 630 miles south-southwest of the tip of Baja California, has strengthened slightly but remains off the coast of Mexico. With maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, the storm is moving west-northwest at 9 mph. The NHC predicts that Cosme is likely to reach near-hurricane strength on Monday before shifting to the northeast and picking up speed on Tuesday into Wednesday.
As Hurricane Barbara continues to gain strength, heavy rainfall is expected to impact coastal areas of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states in Mexico. The potential for localized flooding due to the heavy rainfall raises concerns for residents and authorities in the region. Swells from Barbara are also anticipated to create dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the southwestern Mexican coast, accompanied by gusty winds. This poses further risks to coastal communities already bracing for the impacts of the storm.
In addition to the immediate threat posed by Hurricane Barbara and Tropical Storm Cosme, the wider region, including the US and other nearby nations, is bracing for an active hurricane season in 2025. The potential for ruinous storms looms large, with preparations and precautions being taken to mitigate the impacts of these natural disasters. The Guardian recently highlighted that several National Weather Service cNWSc forecast offices along the hurricane-prone Gulf of Mexico coast are understaffed due to government cuts, raising concerns about the readiness and response capabilities in the face of severe weather events.
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and intensify storms, the need for robust disaster preparedness measures becomes increasingly urgent. The formation of Hurricane Barbara and Tropical Storm Cosme serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive forces of nature, necessitating vigilance and resilience from communities and authorities alike. Stay informed and stay safe as we navigate the challenges posed by these tropical weather systems in the coming days and weeks.
