Tropical Storm Barry, the second named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, recently formed in the Bay of Campeche and made landfall along eastern Mexico. Although it has since weakened to a tropical depression, the system poses serious risks from heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides. This article examines its formation, path, impact, and what residents should do to stay safe.
1. Formation & Path
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Development: Barry began as a tropical depression over the Yucatán Peninsula on June 27, developing into Tropical Storm Barry by June 29, according to the National Hurricane Center Landfall: It made landfall Sunday night, around 10–11 PM local time, south of Tampico, Tamaulipas
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Weakening: Rapid weakening is expected as the system moves inland over the mountainous terrain, dissipating by Monday evening
2. Wind, Rain & Flood Risk
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Winds: At landfall, Barry had peak sustained winds around 35–45 mph (55–75 kph) Rainfall: Forecasts indicate 3–6 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 10 inches (250 mm) across Veracruz, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Québec, and Hidalgo
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Hazards: The region faces risks from flash flooding, mudslides, elevated surf, and rip currents. Coastal warnings were in effect from Boca de Catan to Tecolutla
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U.S. impact: Although the core threat remains in Mexico, increased moisture may bring scattered showers to South Texas/Houston mid-to-late next week
3. Co-occurrence with Tropical Storm Flossie
Barry is one of two tropical storms currently impacting Mexico—the other is Tropical Storm Flossie in the eastern Pacific. While Flossie may become a hurricane, Barry is now weakening. Both pose overlapping flood threats
4. What Residents & Visitors Should Do
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Stay alert: Monitor updates from Mexico’s CONAGUA and the NHC.
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Prepare for flooding: Bring in outdoor items, trim trees, secure property, and avoid flood-prone areas.
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Evacuate if instructed: Communities in low-lying or landslide-prone zones should follow evacuation orders promptly.
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After the storm: Stay away from downed power lines, flooded roadways, and damaged buildings.